Chiefs Star Admits He Was ‘Real Concerned’ About Travis Kelce’s Future Ahead of NFL Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to begin mandatory minicamp this coming week, and the expectation is that the entire roster will be in attendance — including stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

Following the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles back in February, Kelce admitted he seriously contemplated retirement after completing his 12th NFL season — a year that saw him post some of the lowest numbers of his career.

However, Kelce ultimately decided to return, feeling he still had more left in the tank and a responsibility to honor his contract and commitment to the team.

That said, one of his teammates, rising wide receiver Rashee Rice, admitted over the weekend that he was “real concerned” when Kelce was weighing the decision — worried that the future Hall of Famer might hang up his cleats for good.

Speaking with Chancellor Johnson at a youth football camp in Houston, Rice made it clear just how thrilled he is to have Kelce back for another run.

Yeah, I was real concerned, I ain’t gonna lie — that’s Trav!” Rice said. “Me getting hurt last year was kind of a wake-up call. I really wanted him to come back. You start to realize the guys you get to play with once it’s all over, so I’m just trying to live in the moment right now, accept that, and really enjoy his presence on the team.”

Rashee Rice had a stellar rookie campaign in 2023, recording 79 receptions for 938 yards and nine touchdowns. He quickly became an integral part of the Chiefs’ offense and system. Unfortunately, in 2024, Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Kansas City was forced to operate for much of the season without both Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who were sidelined with injuries. Now, heading into 2025, the Chiefs are expected to have their full offensive core back around Patrick Mahomes as they look to make a push for a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance.