Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff Imagn Images

Travis Kelce Addresses Potential Retirement After Season

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Dec 20, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hinted at retirement following the 2024 season, so it only makes sense for these rumors to return as the 2025 season comes to a close. This year did not go as anyone envisioned, as the Chiefs are out of the playoffs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes is done for the season. Kelce himself, meanwhile, has recorded 67 receptions for 797 yards and five touchdowns through 14 games – good numbers for most tight ends, but well below his typical standards.

Travis Kelce gave a non-answer when asked about his potential retirement. Rather than address his plans after the season, the future Hall of Famer said he’s focusing on the present and will look to the future once the season’s over.

“I’d rather keep the focus on this team, right now,” Kelce said, via ESPN’s Nate Taylor. “All the conversations I have with the team moving forward will be with them. It’s a unique time in my life. I’ve got three games left, and I know when the season ends.”

Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) talks with Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) following a Chargers victory at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Travis Kelce Gives Non-Answer When Asked About Retirement

If this is truly the end of the road for Travis Kelce, he’ll go down as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Blessed with an elite combination of pass-catching ability and durability, the former third-round pick has recorded a staggering 1,071 receptions for 12,948 yards and 82 touchdowns since entering the league. He’s a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-Team All-Pro, and a three-time Super Bowl champion. In short, he’s a First-Ballot Hall of Famer and one of the biggest stars in recent NFL history.

Of course, this doesn’t even begin to mention his off-field career. Say what you will about Travis Kelce, but it’s safe to assume he won’t be bored in retirement. The tight end is already one of the bigger faces in media, having a successful podcast and being engaged to superstar pop icon Taylor Swift. Even if he hangs up the cleats for good, it’s safe to assume Kelce will remain a public figure.

Possible Chiefs Future

The Kansas City Chiefs will not make the playoffs for the first time since Patrick Mahomes took over at quarterback, and this could influence Kelce’s decision to retire. While the team has been unlucky in one-score games, the Chiefs might face similar struggles in 2026. Quarterback is far and away the most important part of any organization, and the Chiefs could be in trouble next year.

While a healthy Patrick Mahomes remains one of the game’s best passers, the veteran tore his ACL and might not be ready for Week 1 next year. Even if he returns in time, he probably won’t look like his old self, at least at first. Would Kelce want to play in his age-37 season for a team with low Super Bowl odds when his post-playing career is already as stable as one could ever hope for?

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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