Is Travis Kelce Retiring After the 2025 NFL Season? Inside His Tough Decision and What Comes Next
Travis Kelce has spent more than a decade as one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. But after a frustrating 2025 season for the Kansas City Chiefs, fans are asking the same question everywhere online.
Is Travis Kelce retiring? The Kansas City Chiefs star has not yet made a final decision, but he has been more candid than ever about how challenging the choice has become. After a disappointing season, Kelce has admitted he is taking time to reflect, listen to his body, and consider what is best for his future before deciding whether to return to the NFL or step away from the game.
Here is a full breakdown of everything Kelce has said so far, what his teammates and coaches think, and what his future could look like if he walks away from football.
Travis Kelce’s Legendary NFL Career So Far
Travis Kelce entered the NFL in 2013 after being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the years, he has built a résumé few tight ends can match. Kelce is a 10-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl champion. His chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes helped redefine the tight end position and powered one of the most successful runs in modern NFL history.
That is why the 2025 season felt so jarring. After losing the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the year, the Chiefs struggled to regain momentum. Their season ended in mid-December with a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, marking the first time in ten years the team failed to make the playoffs.
On his New Heights podcast, Kelce admitted the ending was hard to process, saying, “things just didn’t go our way.” That disappointment sparked serious conversations about his future.
Is Travis Kelce Retiring?
As of now, Travis Kelce has not announced his retirement. What he has done is openly acknowledge how complicated the choice feels.
After the Chiefs’ final game on January 4, Kelce told reporters he planned to spend time with the organization and his family before deciding. He explained that he would go through exit meetings and reflect on what comes next.
He also admitted there is no set timeline, saying, “either it hits me quick, or I gotta take some time.” Compared to previous seasons, Kelce noted that “I think last year was a little bit easier.”
Earlier, during a Prime Video interview on Christmas Day with Tony Gonzalez, Kelce shared how conflicted he feels. “The way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth,” he said. “I feel motivated, but I got to make the right decision for me.”
What Travis Kelce Has Said About Playing Another Season
Kelce has made it clear that his love for football is still very real. During his conversation with Gonzalez, he reflected on what returning would mean.
“Just the fact that I know when it’s over, it’s over,” Kelce said. “And I feel like I don’t know, like I still have a lot of love for this game. I feel like if I came back it would be to answer that flame in my heart that I still love this thing.”
Still, Kelce acknowledged that coming back is not entirely his call. “I got to hope that if I do want to come back, the Chiefs are willing to bring me back,” he said. “So it’s a two-way street on that.”
On the January 7 episode of New Heights, Kelce addressed the rumors again. He described the 2025 season as a “tough way to go out.” He added that he plans to spend a few weeks or even a month stepping away from football life.
“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already,” he said. “They know where I stand, at least right now.”
He continued with one of his most revealing comments yet. “At the same time, if my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat.”
Advice From Family and NFL Legends
Kelce is not making this decision alone. He has leaned on several trusted voices, including his brother Jason Kelce, who retired from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
“Well, obviously, I’ve got one guy in my back pocket that called it quits when he was 36 years old, being my brother,” Kelce said.
Tony Gonzalez also offered insight, explaining that he retired after feeling he had accomplished everything he wanted as a player. That perspective has clearly stuck with Kelce as he weighs his own legacy.
What Coaches and Teammates Are Saying
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made it clear the door is still open. During the team’s final press conference on January 5, Reid said, “There are a lot of variables” involved, but added, “We all love Travis. Trav can still play.”
Defensive star Chris Jones was even more optimistic. After the January 4 game, Jones said, “He’ll be back next year.” When pressed further, he admitted nothing is guaranteed but added, “I got faith in my dawg coming back.”
Life After Football for Travis Kelce
If Kelce does retire, his future looks anything but quiet. He already co-hosts the hugely popular New Heights podcast and has expanded into business and entertainment. He co-owns a steakhouse with Patrick Mahomes and has appeared in projects like Happy Gilmore 2 and FX’s Grotesquerie.
Kelce is also planning his wedding with fiancée Taylor Swift, following their engagement announcement in August 2025. Whether he returns for another NFL season or not, his next chapter is already taking shape.
For now, the question remains unanswered. Travis Kelce is listening to his body, his heart, and the people closest to him. Whatever he decides, his impact on the NFL is already secure.
Summary:
- Travis Kelce has not officially announced his retirement and is still weighing his options after the 2025 NFL season.
- The Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, which made the decision more difficult for Kelce.
- Kelce has openly described retirement as a tough and emotional choice, saying he still has a strong love for the game.
- He plans to take several weeks or longer to rest, heal, and reflect before making a final decision.
- Returning for another season would depend on both his physical health and whether the Chiefs want him back.
- Kelce has leaned on advice from his brother, Jason Kelce, and NFL legend Tony Gonzalez.
- Chiefs head coach Andy Reid believes Kelce can still play, while teammate Chris Jones expects him to return.
- If Kelce retires, he already has multiple off-field ventures, including podcasts, business projects, acting roles, and upcoming wedding plans.
