Cincinnati Bearcats Football Legend Makes Decision On NFL Future

Another year in the spotlight for this star.
February 13, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hits his tee shot on the third hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
February 13, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hits his tee shot on the third hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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CINCINNATI —  A Bearcats football legend is going back to the NFL for a 14th season. Travis Kelce is signing another deal with the Kansas City Chiefs to continue his Hall of Fame-worthy NFL career.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the news on Monday.

"Back for more: Chiefs future Hall of Fame TE Travis Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season, a message that’s been delivered to teams who will want him. At 36, Kelce’s play was at its usual level, landing him in the Pro Bowl. He’s loyal to KC & will stay," Rapoport posted on X.

The 36-year-old legendary UC alum discussed his future in January on The New Heights Podcast.

“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already, you know, having the exit meetings, and they know where I stand at least right now,” Kelce said to his brother and co-host, Jason Kelce. “There’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there, and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that. I don’t know. It’s a tough thing to navigate, but at the same time, I think if my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel content that I can go out there and give it another run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. So I think right now it’s just finding that answer … when it all settles down.”

Kelce made his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl last season after posting 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns.

“I put my feet up, and I just be a human because I’ve been putting my body through the wringer for the love of it. I do enjoy playing football and the physical aspect of it. There is something about feeling the wear and tear of the football season … Just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and try and figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future in football," Kelce said about enjoying his offseason.

Cincinnati fans will see how on Sundays once again this fall.

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Russ Heltman
RUSSELL HELTMAN

Russ Heltman is on the Bearcats and Bengals beat for On SI. He is the morning host and producer for 89.3 WMKV in Cincinnati, OH. Russ can be found on Twitter: @RussHeltman11 or you can reach him by email at Heltmandm@yahoo.com.

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