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'I don't know what next year is going to feel like' — Chiefs TE Travis Kelce on how much longer he plans to play

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nick Roesch | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 6:07 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is preparing for his 13th NFL season.

The future Hall of Famer is all-in for the 2025 season, as the Chiefs' offense looks to get back to elite form and help the team return to the Super Bowl. He has one year remaining on his current contract, then will have a decision to make about his playing future.

Kelce briefly pondered retirement this past offseason, but said the decision to return for at least one more year was an easy one. While appearing on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast with former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, Kelce addressed whether or not 2025 will be the last season he plays.

"I mean, it's the last one on the contract," Kelce said. "I'm focused on this one, man. I don't know what next year is going to feel like. I don't know what I'm gonna feel like in March and in April next year when I make that decision and I try and figure out what's next for me. But I know that I got one [year] on the contract, and I got a hell of a team, and we got a lot of talent, and I'm pumped for it."

Kelce also said that the line of communication between himself and the Chiefs is always open and clear, and he will do right by the organization when he does decide to retire.

"If they ever ask me, I'll always tell them how I feel," Kelce said. "Coach (Andy) Reid is like a second father to me. I've been with him for 13 years, and he's helped me both on the field and off the field become a better person, be a better man, and more accountable. And on top of that Pat's (Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes) my family now. So through that family atmosphere with the Chiefs, I don't see myself playing anywhere else. I trust them with everything. I understand that they got to make sure that they set themselves up for the future as well, knowing guys got to get paid and and positions got to get filled."

Kelce makes it pretty clear that he's taking his career year-by-year at this point. It's obvious he still has a passion for the game and being around his teammates. Regardless of whether or not he continues playing beyond the 2025 season, the Chiefs are likely already in the process of planning for life without Kelce.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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