How Patrick Mahomes 'forced' Travis Kelce to completely scrap retirement plans
The Chiefs tight end opened up about why quarterback’s recovery changed his thinking
Travis Kelce had every reason to consider walking away after a disappointing 2025 season, but one sight inside the Kansas City Chiefs facility made retirement harder to justify and that was Patrick Mahomes grinding through a long rehabilitation from major knee surgery.
Kelce revealed on the latest episode of New Heights that watching Mahomes attack his recovery became a major factor in his decision to return for a 14th NFL season.
Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last December.
He underwent surgery the following day and spent much of the offseason working toward his goal of being ready for the start of the 2026 season. Kelce saw that process unfold up close.
“I could see the hard work starting just weeks after the surgery that he had last year, and I could see the determination,” Kelce said.
“I could see the frustration in his mind that it got to this point this year, and you know that was a huge reason why I’m still playing the game because I know that guy.”
Kelce then made the personal side of the decision clear: “Like, I want to be there for that guy. You know, in every aspect of the game.”
Mahomes set the tone during rehab
Mahomes was cleared for training camp in July, but Kansas City chose not to expose him to preseason game action. That caution hasn't changed the optimism around his potential Week 1 return.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said this week that Mahomes will continue receiving heavy practice work as the team builds toward the regular season.
“He’s going to keep practicing just like he’s been doing,” Reid said. “These are more like practice here, a lot of one-versus-one play these next couple of days. That’s a good thing.”
Kelce believes Mahomes ’ recovery has given Kansas City fresh motivation after a difficult campaign.
“And I think that’s exciting coming into the year,” he said. “We get a fresh start, and we’re a motivated group, baby.”
Mahomes’ work ethic has impressed others
Kelce isn't alone in being struck by the quarterback’s approach. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy returned to Kansas City early during the summer to work with Mahomes and said the veteran quarterback’s mindset has had an impact on the entire team.
“His will and want-to is beyond anything I’ve ever seen,” Worthy said. “He kind of leads the team in that way. You have your leader leading like that and guys fall behind.”
Worthy also dismissed concern about Mahomes entering the regular season without preseason snaps.
“Me and Pat, we’ve kind of been working this offseason, the timing and stuff you need to work on,” he said. “I feel like when it’s time to play, we’ll all be ready.”
Kelce understands exactly why so much of Kansas City’s season depends on Mahomes being right.
“A lot of the season is dictated on how good the quarterback plays,” Kelce said. “He’s the most important position in football.”
That makes his own decision easier to understand. Kelce had the option to leave after 13 seasons and three Super Bowl championships. Instead, watching Mahomes fight his way back convinced him there was still another season worth playing together.
