Travis Kelce admits Patrick Mahomes’ ACL return played a role in decision to postpone retirement

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, 36, has announced he will return for his 14th NFL season in 2026, postponing retirement plans that had been widely speculated. Kelce cited watching teammate Patrick Mahomes undergo ACL recovery as a key factor in his decision to continue playing. The news comes after the Chiefs missed the playoffs and Mahomes suffered an ACL tear.