Travis Kelce in uniform
Travis Kelce (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Travis Kelce’s up-and-down 2024 season ended badly. He did not show up against the Eagles as he did in the previous Super Bowl against them in 2023.

Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach knows precisely why he was a non-factor.

Veach discussed the issues facing the tight end in the run-up to the game on an upcoming episode of the NFL podcast, “The Insiders.”

First, he made it clear he wasn’t “making excuses” for the Chiefs’ loss but stated that Kelce was “battling a pretty big illness” before the Super Bowl.

He quickly added that Travis Kelce’s illness did not make much difference to the score as the Eagles destroyed them 40-22.

“We didn’t have the end to our season that we hoped for,” he added.

Following the blowout loss, Kelce, who had four receptions for 39 yards and no touchdowns, took responsibility for the team’s loss.

“I’m kicking myself for some of the tiny, tiny decisions I made on the field,” said Kelce on the New Heights podcast. “I wasn’t the best leader that I could be in motivating my guys and keeping my guys calm, cool, and collected.”

“I put a lot of that on myself as the guy that’s been in the building for 12 years and seen a lot of football and actually seen a situation just like this in the Super Bowl,” Travis Kelce said. “It’s a tough pill to swallow. It’s a hard reality, man.”

The Chiefs boss would also address the swirling rumors that Kelce is set to retire.

When asked if the star would return for the 2025 season, Veach said, “I think so. We anticipate Travis being back. We’re excited to have Travis back.”

Travis Kelce Won’t Be Retiring

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in uniform
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Travis Kelce is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet, at least according to Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach.

Speaking to reporters from the NFL Scouting Combine, the GM said the Chiefs are “anticipating” Kelce’s return for the 2025 season.

Talks of retirement picked up during the playoff run, as Kelce played terrible games against the Bills and Eagles.

March 14 is the date when Kelce’s $11.5 million roster bonus for the 2025 season.