Is Travis Kelce Retiring? The KC Chiefs Tight End Addresses These Rumors on 'New Heights' Podcast
Travis Kelce shared his thoughts on his NFL future following the Chiefs' crushing Super Bowl 2025 loss to the Eagles.
Travis Kelce has finally addressed speculation about his NFL future following the Kansas City Chiefs’ devastating Super Bowl 2025 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The star tight end opened up on the latest episode of the "New Heights" podcast, where he reflected on the emotional and physical toll of the season, sparking further debate about whether he might retire.
With a Hall of Fame career and multiple championships under his belt, Kelce is at a crossroads as he contemplates his next move. While he hasn’t made a definitive decision, his comments suggest he is seriously weighing his options. As Chiefs fans and the NFL community wait for clarity, Kelce’s future remains one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
A though reality
On the "New Heights" podcast, Kelce admitted that retirement is a real possibility. Speaking with his brother Jason Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end acknowledged the challenges of continuing at the highest level after years of intense competition.
"I know everyone wants to know if I’ll play next year, but right now, I’m just taking things one step at a time," said Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion. He emphasized his commitment to his teammates and coaches but admitted that his heavy workload over the last five to six years has been very demanding. While he hasn’t made any final decisions, Kelce's comments suggest he is seriously considering his future.
“The fact that we keep going to these AFC Championships and Super Bowls, that means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body".
The future Hall of Famer experienced a down year, recording career lows with 823 receiving yards and just three touchdowns during the season, the lowest for Kelce in a full season since 2014. The Kansas City Chiefs TE said that not being as proficient as he once was "a though pill to swallow".
While nothing is set in stone, he is going to take some time to figure it out. “I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it’s going to be something that — it’s a wholehearted decision”.
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Patrick Mahomes supports his teammate
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has stated that he will not pressure Travis Kelce regarding his potential retirement decision. Mahomes emphasized that Kelce has contributed immensely to the team and the NFL, and he will support whatever choice Kelce makes about his future.
"I'll let Travis make that decision on his own, man," Mahomes said after the Super Bowl. "He's given so much to this team and to the NFL and been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch."
For Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce can have all the time he needs. "I know he still has love for the game, and he'll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own," Mahomes said. "But he knows he'll come back here with welcome arms. We love that guy not only for the football player, but the person that he is every single day."