Kelce was asked directly how big of a factor losing the Super Bowl was and whether he’d have returned if the Chiefs had completed the three-peat.

“It was probably the biggest factor,” he said of the Lombardi loss. “I mean, it’s a pretty cool way to go out, but I just think I would still have this love for the game. … I think I would have thought about it more if we would’ve won.”

The 35-year-old is coming off the worst statistical season of his career — outside of his one-game rookie campaign in 2013. Kelce posted 823 yards with three touchdowns on 97 catches in 2024. The playoffs offered no reprieve. After his best game of the season in the Divisional Round (117 yards, TD), Kelce disappeared. He had two catches for 19 yards in the AFC Championship Game and four grabs for 49 yards in the Super Bowl loss.

“The ending of that game, I feel like I owe the guys that I come into that building with a whole lot more effort and focus,” Kelce said. “I just don’t know what it was during that game, man, but I wasn’t at my best. The more that I see clips or watch the film and put myself back into those moments, man, I’m just like what the f—?”

One of the best players at any position in the NFL for years, Kelce has earned the right to decide his future.

“Kansas City, baby, we’re back at it for at least one more year,” he said. “I can’t say whether or not this is going to be the last year because I still love a lot of what I do for the city of Kansas City and the Chiefs organization. I know I’ve got one on my contract, and I’m gonna give you everything I got, baby.”