Travis Kelce Gave Retirement Decision Update To Tony Gonzalez

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 10:29 AM ET

Travis Kelce has not yet announced if he'll return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 season. He did, however, speak to a Hall of Famer about his NFL future.

Although he's out of his prime, Kelce remains a threat in the passing game for Kansas City. The All-Pro tight end finished the 2025 season with 76 receptions for 851 yards and two touchdowns.

During the final month of the 2025 regular season, Kelce spoke to legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez about retirement. Apparently, he said he was unsure of what's next for him.

“I did an interview with him on Christmas, sat down with him, spent some time with him after that on a personal level, and I really believe — he said it in the interview — he’s like, ‘I really don’t know.' I believe him," Gonzalez said, via Card Player. "Even in the interview, I was kind of like, ‘Come on, you know a little bit, you got to know something.’"

Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after first down during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Chiefs want Kelce back.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has already announced that he wants Kelce back in uniform for next season.

“As an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said. “He had another great year. Maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play.”

For what it's worth, Kelce spoke with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after he was hired. That makes it seem like he's leaning towards a return to the gridiron.

Kelce is expected to announce his plans for the 2026 season prior to the start of free agency.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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