Is Travis Kelce retiring? Chiefs star TE plays in what could be final game in illustrious career

David Suggs

•
Is Travis Kelce retiring? Chiefs star TE plays in what could be final game in illustrious career image

© Stephen R. Sylvanie

Rumors have surfaced much of the year about Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce retiring.

The Kansas City standout has long been considered one of the sport's  best tight ends, making big plays in a variety of NFL stadiums -- none more memorable than at the friendly confines of Arrowhead Stadium.

With more than a decade under his belt, a trio of Super Bowl rings and a high-profile engagement to Taylor Swift, there's reason to believe Kelce could hang up his cleats come the end of the season. He struggled at times in his age-36 season. And with Patrick Mahomes' status to start the 2027 season with injury, it's hard to imagine Kelce will have many opportunities to shine in what figures to be a rebuilding season in Kansas City.

With that, Kelce's plans following the final game of the 2025 season — and potential final game of his career.

LIVE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 18

Travis Kelce press conference

Kelce looked far from forlorn as he left the field following Kansas City's 14-12 loss to the Raiders on Sunday. He disappeared into the tunnel after embracing some of the Chiefs' faithful who had pooled into Allegiant Stadium.

The future Hall of Famer enjoyed a predictably quiet day at the office, tallying just three catches for 12 yards against Las Vegas. He was held to fewer than 15 yards in three of his final five games this season, seeing his production wane following Mahomes' ACL tear.

Nevertheless, Kelce eclipsed the 13,000-yard mark with his display against the Raiders. He became one of three tight ends to accomplish such a feat, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten in history. Gonzalez's bust resides in Canton while Witten has a strong chance of landing there in the coming few seasons. Kelce's countenance will take its place in the hallowed halls before long.

Kelce also surpassed 75 catches on the season, matching Tim Brown's record for most consecutive 75-catch campaigns in the process.

He spoke with reporters following the conclusion of Sunday evening's contest, revealing that he doesn't have a timeline yet for a decision on his future.

"I got so much love for this team, this organization and the people here," Kelce said. "So I'll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings tomorrow, get close to the family and figure things."

Kelce flirted with the idea of stepping away from the sport for good last season. However, he felt he had unfinished business to attend to following the Chiefs' loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl 59.

"Either it hits me quick or I gotta take some time," Kelce said regarding the timetable of a potential decision on retirement. "Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to kinda give this one a shot. I don't know, we'll see."

How long has Travis Kelce been in the NFL?

Kelce entered the NFL in 2013. He has lasted 13 seasons in the league, all of them in Chiefs colors.

Kelce is undoubtedly one of the the league's greatest-ever tight ends. He has the eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau on seven occasions, three more than any other player in the position. His four first-team All-Pro appearances rank tied for second among tight ends in league history, only bested by former Chiefs and Falcons star Tony Gonzalez. He also ranks third in catches and receiving yards and fifth in touchdowns for players in his position.

With three Super Bowl titles already in his collection, Kelce has a case to be considered his position's most decorated player. Only time will tell if he will attempt to add to his already glimmering reputation in the years to come.

MORE NFL WEEK 18 NEWS:

How old is Travis Kelce?

Kelce is 36 years old and one of his position's oldest active players.

Despite Kelce's declining skillset, he remains a fairly important figure on the field. He was by far Kansas City's most productive pass-catcher in 2025, recording 73 catches for 839 yards and five touchdowns. All three of those marks proved team-highs for the Chiefs.

Content Producer

Staff Writer