Janice R. Andrews
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is taking his time to decide whether he will return for the 2025 NFL season or retire from football. The 35-year-old, who just completed his 12th season with the Chiefs, addressed his future on the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce.
“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road,” Travis Kelce said. “I am not making any crazy decisions, but right now, the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and being there for my coaches, understanding that there’s a lot that goes into this thing.”
Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time First-team All-Pro, will turn 36 in October. His potential retirement has been a topic of speculation, especially after his brother Jason retired following the 2023 season after a 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
During the podcast, Jason Kelce highlighted the challenges of preparing for another grueling NFL season, particularly as players age. Travis echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the physical and mental toll of playing at such a high level for so long.
“The fact that we keep going to these AFC championships and Super Bowls means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league,” Kelce said. “That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body. It’s a lot of time spent in the building. That process can be grueling. It can weigh on you. It can make you better, and it can drive you crazy at the same time.”
Kelce has played 200 total regular-season and playoff games in his career, with the Chiefs competing in 19 playoff games over the past six seasons. While the team has enjoyed immense success, including three Super Bowl victories, the extended seasons have taken a toll on Kelce’s body and mind.
Production-wise, Kelce had his seventh-straight season with at least 90 receptions but recorded his lowest total receiving yards (823) since 2015 and the fewest touchdowns (3) in his career. His postseason performance also dipped, with just 175 receiving yards and one touchdown on 13 receptions.
“As you see yourself or feel yourself not having the success that you once used to have, it’s a tough pill to swallow,” Kelce admitted. “On top of that, to not be there in the biggest moments, knowing your team is counting on you, those are all extremely hard things — it’s just a tough reality.”
In the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce had four receptions for 39 yards on six targets. While his performance wasn’t his best, his leadership and experience remain invaluable to the Chiefs.
When it comes to his future, Kelce emphasized that he owes it to his teammates to make a thoughtful decision. “I’m not half-assing it. I’m fully here for them, and I think I can play,” he said. “It’s just whether or not I’m motivated or if it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility.”
Kelce’s decision will undoubtedly impact the Chiefs’ roster and their aspirations for the 2025 season. As one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, his potential departure would mark the end of an era for Kansas City.
For now, fans will have to wait as Kelce takes his time to evaluate his future. Whether he returns for another season or decides to hang up his cleats, his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game is already secure.
Stay tuned for updates on Travis Kelce’s NFL future as the Chiefs prepare for what could be a transformative offseason.
