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Travis Kelce has a retirement decision to ponder, but first, the Kansas City Chiefs star plans to stand up and be a human.
Kelce, 36, said he plans to take a few weeks, maybe a month, to step away before making a decision on his playing future.
“Every season ends for me, I put my feet up, and I’m just human because I put my body through the paces for the love of it. I love playing football and the physical aspect of it, I think there’s something about feeling the wear and tear of the football season to just get ready for a game knowing your body is f—— beat up man. I think there’s something about that, you feel like a mangy animal that’s just out here, just grinding to find a way to survive and I love it,” Kelce said during a recent episode of “New Heights.”
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas on January 4, 2026. (David Becker/AP Photo)
“But yeah, I’m just thinking about being a regular human for a few weeks, maybe a month or so, and trying to figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future in football.”
While the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Kelce was productive. He was named to his 11th Pro Bowl after recording 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns.
The four-time All-Pro said he talked to people in the Chiefs building and they knew where he was right now.
“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility that already had exit meetings and everything and they know where I’m at at least right now. I think there’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there and I don’t think I’ll ever lose it,” Kelce said.
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Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the national anthem before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
“I don’t know, it’s a hard thing to deal with, but at the same time, I think if my body can heal and rest and I can trust that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21 weeks, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. I think right now it’s just about finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game and when everything stabilizes.”
The star tight end called the Chiefs’ season “tough,” saying it was an embarrassing feeling to miss the playoffs.
“It’s a pretty embarrassing feeling, but we keep moving,” Kelce said. “I’m still a fan of the game and I still love the game, so I’ll be tuning in throughout the playoffs.”
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce waves to fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Kelce said he plans to spend time with friends and family over the next month. If he decides to retire, he will remain one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history and a lock to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In 192 career games, Kelce has caught 1,080 passes for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns. No player in NFL history has caught more passes in the postseason than Kelce, who caught 178 passes for 2,078 yards and 20 touchdowns in the postseason.
