Chiefs' Chris Jones makes massive Travis Kelce prediction amid retirement rumors

Many believe that Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce walked off the football field for the last time as an active player following his club's 14-12 loss at the rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. 

After that defeat, Chiefs pass-rusher Chris Jones made it known he disagrees with those who think Kelce will retire at some point during the offseason.

Chris Jones has faith Travis Kelce will make this decision

"He'll be back next year," Jones directly said about Kelce, per Nate Taylor of ESPN. "I've got faith in my dawg coming back. He brings a lot of energy, a lot of passion to the game. He's one of the best tight ends to ever play the game, if not the best tight end to ever play the game. I have so much respect and love for him. Hopefully, this is not his last year. We have so much more growth to do next year and so much work to do. I'm looking forward to it."

Kelce may not be what he was when in his physical prime, but the 36-year-old showed during the 2025 campaign that he can still contribute to a playoff club. ESPN stats show that Kelce led all Kansas City players for the season with 76 receptions, 108 targets and 851 receiving yards. He shared the team lead of five touchdown catches with two others. 

That said, the future Hall of Famer is in the final year of his contract. Additionally, he and entertainment superstar Taylor Swift are planning their June 2026 wedding. Unsurprisingly, Kelce made no promises regarding when he could publicly reveal his intentions for beyond this season. 

Travis Kelce is noncommittal about playing future

"Who knows?" Kelce said about when he will decide whether or not he wants to continue playing. "Either it hits me quick, or I've got to take some time. Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to kind of give this one [year] a shot. We'll see."

It's unclear how the status of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes could impact Kelce's decision. Mahomes wants to start the team's 2026 regular-season opener after he underwent successful surgery on Dec. 15 to repair a torn ACL and torn LCL.