After an incredible 12-year career, Travis Kelce‘s future in the NFL remains a hot topic-especially after the Kansas City Chiefs‘ crushing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 2025. The Super Bowl-winning tight end, known for his dominance on the field and electric chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has hinted at retirement multiple times over the past two seasons.
Throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Kelce addressed the possibility of retirement multiple times, often leaving room for speculation about when he might finally call it quits.
As speculation grew about whether he would return for the 2024/25 season, Kelce reassured fans that he wasn’t ready to step away yet.
“I really can’t put a timeframe on it,” he said in June 2024. “I’m going to do it until the wheels fall off.”
One of the biggest clues that Kelce was considering retirement came in December 2024, when he played against the Cleveland Browns in his hometown.
“I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll ever play in Cleveland, but it kinda felt like I was just giving it one last hurrah,” Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason.
The emotional reflection on his hometown had fans questioning if this was Kelce‘s way of preparing for his farewell tour.
Taylor Swift’s influence on Kelce’s decision
As rumors swirled about retirement, Kelce revealed that Taylor Swift had been one of his biggest motivators to keep playing.
On The Stephen A. Smith Show in January 2025, he shared: “She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game. She loves coming to games and cheering me on.”
Swift has been a regular presence at Chiefs games, often seen in the VIP suite supporting Kelce.
Kelce‘s longtime teammate and close friend, Patrick Mahomes, has also weighed in on the situation.
Ahead of the 2025 AFC Championship Game, Mahomes admitted he wasn’t sure if this was Kelce’s last ride.
“I have no idea. He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that,” Mahomes told 96.5 The Fan.
“I know he signed a two-year extension before the season, and it seems like he still loves football. But he also has a great life outside of it.
“Either way, I just appreciate every time I step onto the field with that guy knowing that he’s a true legend of not only the Chiefs but of the NFL.”
During a Super Bowl 2025 press conference on February 3, Kelce was asked where he sees himself in three years.
“Hopefully still playing football. I love doing this, I love coming into work every day. I feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me,” he responded.
“I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That’s always been the goal, knowing football only lasts for so long.”
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