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Travis Kelce’s potential retirement has been a topic for a few seasons now, but the Kansas City Chiefs superstar won’t talk about it at all as the playoff push heats up.
But the Chiefs and the rest of the NFL could get a timeline on when that decision will be made.
Kelce, playing his 13th season in the NFL, all with Kansas City, has the door open to a 14th year in the league. However, he is entering the final year of his contract with the Chiefs, which raises the question of whether he wants to return or officially hang up his cleats to wrap up a Hall of Fame career.
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Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on November 16, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Before the Chiefs faced the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, hoping to end a two-game losing streak, Kelce said he would inform the Chiefs of his decision before NFL free agency begins in March 2026.
“I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity whether I come back or not — or whether they want me to come back or not,” Kelce said via ESPN. “I would like to make this decision before they have to secure draft picks and open free agency to fill out the roster appropriately.
“All this will be done at the end of the season. I won’t think about it until then.”
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The 36-year-old tight end discussed his future, specifically how he wants to go out. And while his fiancée loves touring, Kelce is the exact opposite.
He doesn’t want the “farewell tour”.
“It’s not me,” he said.
There are several reasons to believe Kelce will return for the 2026 NFL season, and one of them is his production this season. While the Chiefs are 5-5, Patrick Mahomes and Kelce have maintained their patented chemistry on the field – one that has contributed to their three Super Bowl victories together. Many wondered what Kelce had left in the tank after last season, even though a rough year for the tight end resulted in 97 catches for 823 yards and three scores.
Kelce is on track for his eighth 1,000-yard season. He has 50 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games. He may not be averaging more than 70 yards per game like he did in his seven straight 1,000-yard seasons, but that’s still 63.1 yards per game — and Mahomes is finding it in the end zone, too.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs runs on the field during the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
The Chiefs had some receiving issues in 2025, although Rashee Rice’s return from suspension sparked a rejuvenated Chiefs passing attack. But Kelce’s numbers put him among the best in the NFL at his position.
Only Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride has more receiving yards this season (718) than Kelce among tight ends, while the veteran leads the Chiefs in targets, receptions, yards and touchdowns.
Kelce gave credit to his teammates for his performance so far this year.
“I think what you see is that I am a product of my environment right now,” he said. “It’s all about how the offensive line behaves and how the guys around us behave, and obviously, the chemistry between me and me. [Mahomes] have been able to accumulate over the years. »
“He did a heck of a job,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of his trusty tight end. “He worked like crazy this offseason to get in top shape, which is what you have to do when you get to an older age. You have to work a little harder, and he did that. It’s paying off for him.”
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs stands on the sideline during the national anthem before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Kelce’s future will continue to be a topic for the rest of his career, whether after the 2025 campaign or beyond. It was the same for his older brother, Jason Kelce, when he ultimately decided to resign with the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2023 campaign.
For now, Kelce is focused on helping his Chiefs return to the playoffs. It appears the AFC West title will go to a team that hasn’t been named the Chiefs for the first time since 2015 after a loss to the Denver Broncos, who lead the division with a 9-2 record.
