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Chiefs Make Travis Kelce Request Amid Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 5:39 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce has had an incredible career in the NFL. Playing in his 13th year in the league, all of which have come with Kansas City, Kelce has caught 1,077 passes for 12,990 yards and 82 touchdowns in 191 games played. All three of these statistics are all-time Chiefs records.

The 36-year-old tight end, who was taken by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, has made 11 Pro Bowls, been selected to four All-Pro teams and won three Super Bowls during his illustrious tenure with Kansas City.

The 2025-26 season has been a struggle for Kelce and the Chiefs. They were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014, as they have gone 6-10 with one game remaining in the year.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after his touchdown against the Denver Broncos.© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Despite the struggles of the team as a whole, Kelce has been putting up good numbers throughout the season. Through 16 games, he has caught 73 passes for 839 yards and five touchdowns. However, these aren't the same type of statistics he has been displaying throughout his career.

With his drop-off in numbers and the struggles throughout the year for the Chiefs, retirement rumors have swirled, as many believe Sunday's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders will be the final game of Kelce's career.

While Kelce will, undoubtedly, be a Pro Football Hall of Famer, his impact off the field has been incredible across his years in the league as well. This season, he was nominated as the Chiefs' representative for the Walter Payton Man of the Year. On Friday, the Chiefs posted on X, urging fans to vote for Kelce to win the league-wide award.

"1 RT = 2 votes for TE1 ‼️ Vote for @tkelce in the #WPMOYChallenge presented by @Nationwide!" the caption read.

1 RT = 2 votes for TE1‼️

Vote for @tkelce in the #WPMOYChallenge presented by @Nationwide! pic.twitter.com/0OYcSWKsH4
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 2, 2026

This award is given annually to a player who shows incredible thought and effort in their commitment to helping the community. This season's award will be given out at NFL Honors on Feb. 5, the Thursday before Super Bowl LX.

Kelce's potential last game in the NFL will kick off on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, as the Chiefs head to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the Raiders (2-14). It will air on CBS.

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

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