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Travis Kelce will enter his 14th year in the NFL when he steps on the field with his beloved Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, which a close friend and fellow tight end says is a good thing for the league.
After the last few seasons, the question of whether Kelce, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, still wants to play football arose. Each time, including this offseason, the 11-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro answered the bell with a resounding yes.
Greg Olsen, who Kelce works with at their Tight End University Summit every offseason, recently spoke with the Chiefs star. He told PK Press Club Digital that he always sees that fire inside Kelce when he talks about strapping on the pads for 2026 – a season in which he will be 37 years old.
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Travis Kelce (87) of Kansas City looks on during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“I think just getting to know Travis and how much he loves to play and how much he loves to compete and obviously the career he had going all the way to the first ballot to the Hall of Fame – he’s as close to a lock as you’ll find – especially considering the tight end position takes a little bit more time for some guys even if they’re super deserving. I think the league is great to have him,” Olsen said. “I think the Chiefs are right to want him back.
“I had the opportunity to spend time with him a few weeks ago, and he is super excited about a new season, for the team, for himself.”
The Chiefs reached an acceptable deal with Kelce, whose contract expired after last season. Now that he’s up for 2026, along with a reunion with Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs are focusing on the health of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who required ACL surgery after being injured in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
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“It’s one of the best quarterback tight end combinations of all time,” Olsen added, recognizing one of the league’s best duos in recent memory. “So I’m happy for [Kelce] just as a friend, as a football fan.”
While it may be a nuisance for Kelce to continually hear about his retirement, Olsen also understands that Kelce was given the opportunity few can say during a grueling football career – to walk away on his own terms.
Olsen wants this for his friend in the end, whenever it happens.
“I would love to see him come out when he wants to be finished,” Olsen said. “Very few guys are able to earn that right throughout their NFL career to say, ‘You know what? I’m done when I say I’m done.’ That’s not usually how it happens. Very few guys have that swan song, that perfect ending, walking away under the confetti and the Super Bowl. It’s a dream scenario that everyone hopes for.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) greets fans as he arrives before training camp at Missouri Western State University on July 28, 2023 in St. Joseph, Missouri. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports)
“But if there’s one guy who deserves to have his career end the right way because of everything he stood for, everything he did, how hard he worked, the success he had, individually and collectively, Trav is at the top of the list.”
Olsen, who is an NFL analyst for Fox Sports, is excited about the prospect of covering more games featuring Kelce and the Chiefs because he wants to enjoy the rest of his career.
And it’s a career defined by three Super Bowl titles and enough accolades to one day end up with a bronze bust in Canton.
“I never thought I’d see a day where people would start saying, ‘Is there anyone better than Tony Gonzalez?’ Then Gronk comes in and this conversation. Ultimately, Travis might be at the top of this list, which 10 years ago seemed crazy that anyone could surpass some of these guys. His career is second to none and the league is better off with him,” Olsen concluded.
Broadcaster Greg Olsen looks on before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on September 7, 2025. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE FRONT OFFICE
While Olsen spent 14 years in the NFL, his next chapter of the game provides in-depth analysis of FOX Sports broadcasts throughout the year.
To help him do this during the offseason while reviewing each franchise’s NFL Draft and free agency picks, Olsen used NFL IQ, the new interactive hub created by the league, and Amazon Web Services powered by Amazon Quick.
Ahead of the draft, NFL IQ transformed raw data from the NFL Combine and team needs, free agency moves made and more for this hub that gives fans access to key information and puts them in the shoes of front office decision-makers. Whether a casual fan or a top analyst like Olsen, NFL IQ is an easy-to-use way to expand their football knowledge, especially during a crucial team-building time like the draft.
“It’s the most educated fan base in NFL history, and I think that’s a good thing,” Olsen said.
Overview of NFL IQ, the league’s new interactive hub and Amazon Web Services, powered by Amazon Quick. (NFL IQ)
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“Fans actually have a way to access the exact same data, the same information that teams and everyone uses for their own benefit, whether it’s something casual or for people who really want to dive in.
“I think it’s a really fun set of tools for the wide range of people who touch the NFL space. I know firsthand as a fan, and now an industry professional, that it’s a big part of my interaction with the game.”
