Fans shouldn’t anticipate a decision on Travis Kelce’s NFL career anytime soon.
After the Chiefs’ 14-12 defeat to the Raiders, which wrapped up their regular season on Sunday, the 36-year-old star tight end shared his thoughts about his future, still pondering whether to continue into his 14th season.
“I cherish this team, the organization, and everyone involved here. I plan to spend time with them and attend the exit meeting,” Kelce mentioned. He also intends to discuss matters with family and sort things out, as reported by ESPN.
Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, noted that his decision this time might take a bit longer compared to last year, when he quickly chose to return for a 13th season after a disappointing loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl.
“Sometimes you know right away, and other times it takes a while. Last year felt more straightforward. This year, I’m not so sure,” he said.
The Chiefs had a tumultuous year in 2025, facing numerous challenges. The worst moment came in December when they were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014, following a significant injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who tore his ACL.
Kansas City ended the season with a record of 6 wins and 11 losses.
This marked Kelce’s 13th season with the team, during which he recorded 851 yards and five touchdowns over the 17 games.
Speculation about Kelce’s potential retirement has been intensifying throughout the season.
In November, the 11-time Pro Bowler indicated that he plans to make a decision by early March, ahead of free agency.
“I want to ensure the Chiefs have a solid plan, whether I return or not, and whether they wish to keep me on the roster,” said Kelce, who is approaching free agency. “I aim to finalize my decision before free agency kicks off so they can manage their draft picks efficiently.”
Besides football, Kelce is exploring new paths, co-hosting the popular “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason, a former Eagles center.
He has also made appearances on “Saturday Night Live” and hosted the Amazon game show “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity.”
On a personal note, he’s preparing for marriage after getting engaged to pop icon Taylor Swift last August. They have been together since 2023.
