Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

Chiefs Make Travis Kelce Request Amid Retirement Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 2:34 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been incredible throughout his career, cementing himself as one of the best to ever play the position. Now in his 13th year in the league, Kelce has racked up 1,071 receptions for 12,948 yards and 82 touchdowns.

In his career, he has 10 Pro Bowl appearances, four First Team All-Pro selections and he's won three Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs.

The 2025 season has been a disappointing one for Kelce and the Chiefs, as they were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday after a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that dropped their record to 6-8.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates a first down against the Los Angeles Chargers.© Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs getting their playoff hopes slashed wasn't the only big blow for them on Sunday, though, as perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Patrick Mahomes went down with a season-ending ACL tear.

With this injury to Mahomes and the struggles that the Chiefs have gone through this year, there have been talks of Kelce retiring after this season.

With these rumors circulating, the Chiefs made a request to their fans on Tuesday, as the team posted on X, asking fans to help Kelce win the Walter Payton Man of the Year charity challenge.

"1 RT = 2 votes for Travis in the #WPMOYChallenge presented by @Nationwide! Retweet this post to help @tkelce raise money for his foundation, @87running ❤️," the caption read.

1 RT = 2 votes for Travis in the #WPMOYChallenge presented by @Nationwide!

Retweet this post to help @tkelce raise money for his foundation, @87running ❤️ pic.twitter.com/th2wBlAX44
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 16, 2025

Kelce was nominated as the Chiefs' club winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for the 2025 season. This award recognizes players for their work on and off the field.

The tight end's foundation, Eighty-Seven & Running, is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping youth empowerment.

Kelce and the Chiefs will be back in action without Mahomes on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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