With the Kansas City Chiefs officially out of the 2025 NFL playoffs for the first time in over a decade, speculation about the future of tight end Travis Kelce has now become the biggest talking point.
The Chiefs’ elimination, capped by a tough 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and a seasonending ACL injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has thrust the question of whether Kelce will ride off into retirement into the spotlight.
Amid all the chatter, Jason Kelce weighed in on the topic during a Monday appearance on SportsCenter. Asked about his younger brother’s decision, Jason admitted he doesn’t know exactly what Travis is thinking and emphasized that any choice about retirement needs space and time.
“To nail that decision, you gotta step away from the game for a little bit,” Jason said. He suggested Travis should enjoy the final games of the season, spend time with his teammates and coaches, and then allow his feelings to mature before settling on a conclusion.
“There are so many emotions with this game right after a season,” Jason added, highlighting how fresh and intense the experience still is.
At 36 and in his 13th NFL campaign, it’s understandable why retirement speculation has intensified. Kelce has achieved nearly everything a tight end can in football – 10 Pro Bowls, multiple Super Bowl appearances, and a reputation as one of the most dominant players at his position.
But there are also growing opportunities off the field that could encourage him to step away.
Kelce has successfully expanded his presence beyond football, co-hosting the wildly popular New Heights podcast with Jason, which has become a global sports media phenomenon. He has also ventured into television and film, and a future in entertainment or sports media could become a natural next step.
Personal life milestones, particularly his upcoming marriage to pop star Taylor Swift, add another layer to his decision-making. With a wedding on the horizon, Kelce may be considering a new chapter in life that does not include the NFL grind.
Balancing legacy and motivation
Despite reasons to retire, there are equally compelling factors that could keep Kelce on the field.
Finishing the 2025 season on a stronger note could be motivating. If he retires now, his final game would be a regular-season contest without Mahomes at quarterback, which might leave a lingering sense of unfinished business.
Not to mention Kelce has remained productive, recording nearly 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns, proving he can still contribute at a high level.
Whether Kelce chooses retirement or returns for another season, his decision will mark a pivotal moment for Chiefs Kingdom and one of the most accomplished careers of the modern NFL era.
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