Charissa Thompson Shares What She Really Thinks About Travis Kelce Returning for a 14th NFL Season (Exclusive)

Charissa Thompson reacts to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce's return to the NFL for a 14th season
Credit: Jason Mendez/Getty; Michael Owens/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Charissa Thompson says the NFL is “better” with Travis Kelce on the field and praises his decision to return
• Kelce previously hinted at uncertainty about continuing his career but decided to play another season with the Chiefs
• “Was I surprised by it? No. I'm hopeful," Thompson tells PEOPLE about Kelce's return

Charissa Thompson says the NFL is simply “better” with Travis Kelce on the field, praising the Kansas City Chiefs star after his decision to return for another season.

Talking to PEOPLE about Kelce’s decision during Amazon Upfronts on Monday, May 11, Thompson said she never doubted the Chiefs tight end would return and admitted she’s thrilled fans will get another season watching him play.

“Was I surprised by it? No. I'm hopeful. I mean, the NFL is better when Travis is on the field,” the Fox sportscaster tells PEOPLE.

“I mean, obviously, as a person, as a player, everything he's done, I'm excited for him to have another year and make that decision with his friends, his family, and, of course, his fiancée,” Thompson continues, referring to Taylor Swift.

“And just being able to cover Travis, for now, the better part of almost two decades, it's been exciting and I just love having him on the field and being able to watch him play and leave on his own terms,” Thompson, 44, says.