Travis Kelce Reflects on Future After Chiefs’ Season

Travis Kelce is taking some time to evaluate his future in football, but before diving into that, the Kansas City Chiefs star emphasizes the importance of enjoying life.

At 36, Kelce intends to step away for a few weeks—maybe even up to a month—before making any decisions about his playing career.

“After every season, I like to unwind and just be a normal person for a bit. I train rigorously for football, and I genuinely love it. There’s something about preparing for a challenge when your body feels rough. It makes me feel alive, almost like a survival instinct kicking in,” he shared during a recent episode of “New Heights.”

Kelce acknowledged the Chiefs’ disappointing season, where they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. However, he had a solid individual performance with 76 receptions, 851 yards, and five touchdowns, earning him a spot in his 11th Pro Bowl.

The four-time All-Pro mentioned that he has already had discussions with others in the Chiefs organization regarding his current mindset.

“I’ve spoken with some team members who have wrapped up their exit interviews, so they have a good idea of where I stand,” Kelce explained. “I still have a passion for the game, and I don’t think that’s going anywhere.”

He expressed mixed feelings about the Chiefs’ season, describing it as “tough” and noting the embarrassment of missing playoffs. “It’s a bit embarrassing, but you have to keep pushing forward,” he said. “I still love this game and will stay tuned during the playoffs.”

Kelce plans to spend the next month reconnecting with friends and family. If he ultimately chooses to retire, he’ll be remembered as one of the NFL’s greatest tight ends, with a legacy that could see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

With 1,080 catches for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns over 192 games, he’s already made his mark. Kelce holds the record for the most receptions in the playoffs, totaling 178 catches, 2,078 yards, and 20 touchdowns.