Travis Kelce has completed 12 remarkable seasons in the NFL. As he ages, fans are becoming curious about when he might retire. The Kansas City Chiefs standout shared his retirement thoughts and future plans after his team failed to achieve a historic Super Bowl three-peat, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl.
Is Travis Kelce Retiring From the NFL?
Travis communicated that his football career isn't ending yet when he messaged Pat McAfee regarding his choice for the 2025-2026 season. During the February 27, 2025 episode of the Pat McAfee Show, Pat shared a text from Travis confirming he would “definitely return” for the next season with the Chiefs.
According to Pat, Travis mentioned in his message that he plans to get into the best shape possible during the offseason and climb back to the top. He expressed dissatisfaction with his performance in the last game and preparation for his teammates, stating, “I can’t end on that note!”
Speculation about the tight end’s NFL future arose after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles in February 2025. Post-game, quarterback Patrick Mahomes admitted he was unsure of Travis’ future plans.
On February 9, 2025, when asked about Travis's participation in the next season, Patrick stated, “I’ll let Travis decide for himself. He’s contributed immensely to this team and to the NFL. It's been wonderful working with him and watching him.”
Patrick also mentioned that Travis “is aware he still has a lot to offer in football” if he chooses to keep playing. However, it depends on his willingness to endure the effort required for a lengthy season and reaching the Super Bowl.
He continued by lauding Travis as a “first-ballot Hall of Famer” and said, “He’s earned a gold jacket.”
Patrick acknowledged Travis’s passion for the game, adding, “He’ll take some time with his family to decide, but he knows he’s always welcome here.”
During the February 12, 2025 episode of the “New Heights” podcast he shares with his brother, Jason Kelce, Travis addressed the retirement rumors.
“It's tough. Everyone wants to know if I’ll play next year, and right now, I’m just taking time to consider everything,” he explained. “I’m not making any hasty decisions. Right now, my priority is supporting my teammates and coaches, understanding the effort they put in.”
Travis added, “Over the past five or six years, I’ve been fortunate to play more football than anyone else, thanks to the people in our organization and our continued success in making it to AFC Championships and Super Bowls. This means I’m playing an extra three games each season compared to the rest of the league.”
Enduring such physical strain takes a significant toll on your body, and dedicating extensive time within the facility to hone your skills and concentrate on your objectives can be exhausting. This rigorous process can be burdensome.
The football player mentioned that spending additional time on the field "can enhance your skills but also drive you insane," and confessed, “This year, it was sort of driving me insane.”
Travis shared, “I believe as you approach the latter part of your career, it becomes harder to handle the lack of success you previously enjoyed. It’s a difficult realization when you’re not performing at your peak while your team is relying on you in crucial moments."
In the past, Travis has dismissed rumors about his retirement. At a press conference on January 11, 2024, prior to the Chiefs' playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, he humorously remarked, “If you’re not thinking about the future, I don’t understand you,” before addressing his future in football.
“I have no intention of quitting football,” Travis affirmed. “I’m passionate about the game, we continue to achieve success, and I come in with the right attitude. The daily challenge to be my best keeps me motivated, and I have no wish to stop now.”
Nonetheless, Travis stated there is one condition that could lead to his early retirement: the retirement of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. On the February 14, 2024 episode of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis declared he wouldn't play for any coach other than Andy.
“If he retires this year, I’m leaving with him,” Travis stated.
What Has Travis Kelce Said About His Plans Outside of Football?
Hosting Saturday Night Live in March 2023 inspired the Ohio native to explore ambitions beyond sports.
“That’s the purpose of the offseason. It’s a time to discover new passions, and I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some activities outside the sports realm, like being in front of the camera,” Travis explained.
“The experience on SNL introduced a new joy and possibly a new career path for me. It’s amusing to consider this now because it’s something far off compared to my current focus,” he added.
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What Has Travis Kelce Previously Said About Retirement?
Fans grew concerned when Travis revealed he contemplates retiring from the NFL "more often than anyone could imagine,” during a November 2023 interview with The Wall Street Journal, attributing it to the physical demands of the sport.
“That’s the one aspect I’ve never been very open about,” Travis continued. “The discomfort.”
The agony. The persistent injuries — the ten surgeries I've undergone, each one still resonates with me to this day.
During the December 18, 2024 episode of his “New Heights” podcast, Travis opened up about how his career might be drawing to a close, mentioning the Chiefs' recent game against the Browns in Cleveland could have been his final appearance there.
“I just adore that city. It was such a blast. When we landed, I felt like a tour guide, pointing out every town, landmark, and building we passed.”
“Memories kept flooding back to me, feeling incredibly nostalgic,” he shared with his brother Jason Kelce. “It might not be the last time I play in Cleveland, but it felt like I was giving it one last go because I’ve only played there twice over the past 12 years.”
When Did Travis Kelce Begin His NFL Career?
Travis was selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft after a college football career at the University of Cincinnati. He has remained with the team ever since, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s all-time best tight ends by setting numerous records and contributing to the Chiefs' victories in three Super Bowls.