The 35-year-old Kelce had been mulling whether
to return for a 13th season. But the four-time All-Pro made his
feelings clear in a text to Pat McAfee that the host read during
“The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday.
“My dawg!!! I'm coming back for sure,” the four-time All-Pro
wrote, according to McAfee. “Gonna try to get to the best shape
I've been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop. Got a
real bad taste in my mouth about how I played in that last game
and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can't go out like
that!!!!”
The Chiefs’ quest to become the first team to win three straight
Super Bowls ended with a 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles
on Feb. 9.
Kelce professed his love for football several times leading up
to the Super Bowl. But he also said on his podcast he would
“take some time” to figure out if he would retire or return for
another season.
Kelce's decision is hardly a surprise, considering Chiefs
general manager Brett Veach said Tuesday at the NFL combine that
he was "“was fired up” to keep playing after the season ended.
Kelce’s contract includes an $11.5 million roster bonus due
March 15. Veach said the team was moving forward with its
offseason plans “as if he’s here.”
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