As speculation grows around Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce and whether he will retire after the 2025 NFL season, head coach Andy Reid’s public praise may have complicated the decision.
Even at 36 years old, Kelce looks far from done. Instead of slowing down, he appears to be redefining longevity at his position, something Reid sees clearly.
Andy Reid praises Kelce’s 2025 performance
During a recent press conference, Reid didn’t hold back when asked about Kelce’s 13th NFL season.
“I thought he has had a heck of a year,” Reid said. “Great leadership, obviously. I thought it was a step up, even from what he played last year. He made that a point this offseason to really focus in and come in great shape. It’s helped him throughout the year.”
That praise wasn’t empty. The Chiefs shifted more targets toward younger receivers this year–Kelce has 92 targets at this stage compared to 107 last season-but he remains Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted option in crucial moments.
Kelce’s offseason transformation also tells the story of a veteran refusing decline. Last year, he posted career lows while weighing around 250 pounds. Determined to bounce back, Kelce dropped approximately 25 pounds through rigorous training.
“You’ve got to rebuild,” Kelce said earlier this season, describing his revamped preparation and reduced offseason travel.
The result: improved explosiveness, more consistency, and an unmistakable leadership presence in the locker room.
Retirement questions grow as Chiefs face uncertain future
With Mahomes rehabbing a torn ACL and Kansas City eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014, Kelce is one of the few emotional anchors left in a locker room entering a transitional phase.
However, the retirement conversation isn’t new. Rumors swirled after last season’s Super Bowl loss, and they resurfaced after elimination this year. When asked about his plans, Kelce deflected once again.
“I’d rather just keep the focus of the media and everything on this team, right now,” Kelce said on December 19.
He emphasized finishing strong: “I’ve got three games left, and I know when the season ends this year… Just trying to make sure that everybody here knows that I’m focused on trying to win football games, these last three games.“
Kelce turns 37 in October and becomes a free agent after the season. Returning could mean catching passes from Gardner Minshew or another temporary option until Mahomes heals.
So will Travis Kelce retire?
Reid’s endorsement signals that the Chiefs still value Kelce at an elite level, even at 36. If Kelce weighs Reid’s comments heavily, it could factor into postponing retirement.
For now, Kelce is keeping the focus on football. But the choice will soon come. Whether he returns in 2026 or walks away as an NFL legend, his final decision may hinge on his coach’s belief that he “took a step up” when most players are stepping down.
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