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Revisiting Travis Kelce Retirement Rumors Amid Chiefs Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 7:45 PM ET

As the Kansas City Chiefs get ready to take on the Detroit Lions in Week 6 of the National Football League season, a major talking point is the future of Travis Kelce. In September, the Daily Mail reported the Kansas City tight end is likely to retire following the 2025 season. That leaves fans wondering whether the starting tight end is indeed in the final stretch of his Hall of Fame career.

The 36-year-old is in the final season of his $34.25 million contract with the Chiefs. According to reports, those close to him believe he will step away following the season, terming it "likely the end." In the same report, Kelce has "a handful of things" to consider before making his final decision, but is expected to retire regardless the result of the 2025 season.

That speculation intensified following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss last February, when Kelce admitted he seriously thought about walking away. “You always think about it,” he said earlier this year. “When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you start to ask yourself what’s next. But I still love competing with these guys.”

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.© Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Taylor Swift Staying Out of the Decision

Much of the public curiosity around Kelce’s future naturally extends to his relationship with Taylor Swift. The two got engaged this summer after more than a year together, and while some wondered whether that might influence his football decisions, reports indicate the opposite.

According to The Blast, Swift has made a point of staying out of any talks about retirement. A source told the outlet that she “is not going to be the Gisele or Yoko of Travis and his career” and is allowing him to make his own decision. Those close to the couple say that Swift’s support has been crucial, but she refuses to be seen as the person who pushed him out of the NFL.

Kelce has also leaned on his brother, Jason Kelce, who retired earlier this year after a long career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Seeing Jason successfully transition into media work and broadcasting has reportedly shown Travis “a light at the end of the tunnel,” giving him a glimpse of life after football.

Could a Super Bowl Change His Mind?

Despite leaning toward retirement, the story may not be finished. Sources close to Kelce have said that a potential Super Bowl run could sway his decision. “If the Chiefs make it, win it, it will be a great swan song for Travis,” one insider told The Daily Mail. “If they fail to hit that trajectory, more thoughts will creep into his mind.”

Through five games this season, Kelce remains productive with 22 receptions, 343 yards, and two touchdowns. He continues to be one of Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted targets and the emotional leader of the Chiefs’ locker room.

Whether this is his final year or not, Kelce’s resume already places him among the best tight ends in NFL history. His continued strong play in his mid-thirties, added with his influence on and off the field, has made his career one of the defining stories of the Mahomes era in Kansas City.

If this season truly is his last, the football world will be watching closely as one of the game’s greats writes the final chapter of his remarkable run.

When the Chiefs and Lions square off, it will be 2-3 Kansas City and 4-1 Detroit.

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

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