Travis Kelce admits $19 million financial pressure was key to his decision to return in 2025.

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Financial considerations played a role in his choice.

After months of speculation, Travis Kelce has confirmed he will return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2025 NFL season.

While his love for the game was the driving force behind his decision, Kelce also acknowledged that financial.

considerations played a role in his choice to put retirement on hold.

The 35-year-old tight end, who is heading into the final year of his two-year, $34 million contract, will carry a $19 million cap hit for the Chiefs next season.

Despite his on-field earnings, Kelce has also seen lucrative opportunities off the field, thanks to his growing celebrity status.

During the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, Kelce‘s brother, Jason Kelce, put him on the spot.

“Why are you playing another season? Why are you going to go out there, risk injury, and make less money than you could make not playing football? Why are you doing this?” he asked.

Travis laughed before admitting that money was a factor in his decision.

“That was kinda the one I had to juggle right there,” he said.

“The biggest thing is that I love playing the game of football.

I love playing.

I still feel like I can play it at a high level, and possibly at a higher level than I did last year.”

Reflecting on the Chiefs‘ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce expressed disappointment in his performance.

“I don’t think it was my best outing.

I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them.

I got a bad taste in my mouth on how I ended the year and how well I was playing,” he noted.

Off-field success and Hollywood ventures.

Kelce’s decision to return to football comes at a time when his off-field career is booming.

The three-time Super Bowl champion has expanded his brand into entertainment.

landing acting roles in FX’s Grotesquerie and the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2 film.

His relationship with Taylor Swift has also elevated his celebrity status.

leading to endorsement deals and increased media attention.

With rumors swirling about a possible engagement and starting a family.

some speculated that Kelce might step away from football to focus on his personal life.