Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach revealed that star tight end Travis Kelce had been battling a significant illness leading up to the Super Bowl on February 9, 2025. While acknowledging that this might have affected Kelce’s performance, Veach emphasized that it wasn’t an excuse for the Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles triumphed 40-22, and Veach remarked that the Chiefs’ defeat was not solely due to Kelce’s condition but because the Eagles played exceptionally well on the day.
Veach Reflects on Chiefs’ Loss, Confident Kelce Will Return for 2025 Season
Despite the defeat, Veach reflected on the experience as a learning opportunity. He noted that the Chiefs had “picked a bad day to have a bad day” but also stated that losses provide valuable lessons. He added that the team would use this setback as motivation to improve moving forward, with the philosophy that one learns more from losses than victories.

Amid speculation about Kelce’s retirement, Veach addressed the rumors regarding the 35-year-old’s future with the team. He expressed confidence that Kelce would return for the 2025 season, stating, “We anticipate Travis being back.” Veach also praised Kelce’s unique relationship with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his ability to stay in shape and perform at an elite level, making those around him better both on and off the field.
Travis Kelce Contemplates NFL Future, Jason Believes He Knows His Next Move
Travis Kelce himself addressed questions about his future in the NFL on his podcast, New Heights, which he hosts with his brother, Jason. Kelce revealed that he was not making any immediate decisions about his career, instead choosing to focus on the present moment and avoid rushing to any conclusions. He expressed the importance of supporting one another with his teammates, emphasizing mutual understanding as a key priority.
Jason Kelce, Travis’ brother and a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, shared his perspective on his sibling’s future in the NFL. On The Steam Room podcast, Jason suggested that Travis may already know what he wants to do regarding retirement, even if he has not publicly committed to a decision. Jason acknowledged that his brother is likely contemplating his next move but has not made any official announcements yet.