Travis Kelce is gearing up for another season with the Kansas City Chiefs, entering his 13th year in the NFL, but that hasn’t stopped him planning for life after football with his brother Jason Kelce.
At 35 years old, the tight end has become a staple in the league and a crucial part of the Chiefs’ recent success. However, as time progresses, questions continue to surface about whether this could be his final year on the field.
During the 2024 season, Kelce posted 97 receptions for 823 yards and just three touchdowns – statistically his lowest production since his rookie year.
Despite this, quarterback Patrick Mahomes dismissed any hints of retirement, saying, “If it’s the last ride, you would never know. I mean, the way he’s talking about football, the way he’s talking about working and trying to be even better this year than he was last year. He doesn’t seem like a guy that it’s his last ride, like he’s tired of the job.”
Mahomes’ comments echo what many in Kansas City hope is true: that Kelce still has plenty left in the tank. Yet, there are signs that he is looking to life beyond football.
Shifting focus to new ventures
Kelce, along with his older brother Jason, has stepped into the world of sports ownership. The two recently announced they had become part-owners of the St. Joseph Goats, an indoor football team based in Missouri.
This move came through their partnership with Garage Beer, the beverage brand they both co-own. The Kelce brothers framed the investment as a bold – and perhaps unconventional – step into team ownership, sparking curiosity and excitement among fans.
Beyond football and ownership, Kelce is also expanding his entertainment profile. The Kelce brothers’ podcast, “New Heights,” has become one of the most popular football-related shows, and recently signed a reported nine-figure deal with Amazon. On top of that, Travis is launching a new steakhouse, 1587 Prime, set to open in Kansas City’s Loews Hotel.
Is Travis Kelce going to retire?
Despite all these business ventures, football still appears to be Kelce’s main focus. Head coach Andy Reid recently confirmed that Kelce is “training like crazy” and showing no signs of slowing down.
Kelce himself has emphasized his passion for the game, saying, “I love doing this. I love coming into work every day. I feel like I still got a lot of good football left in me.”
Whether or not 2025 turns out to be Kelce’s final NFL season remains to be seen, and strong retirement rumors surfaced after the Chiefs were beaten in the Super Bowl. What is clear is that he’s preparing for every possibility, both on the field and beyond.
With one eye on another Super Bowl and another on building a business empire, Kelce is laying the groundwork for a strong finish to his football career – and a powerful start to his next chapter.
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