NFL superstar Travis Kelce announces retirement plans – What it means for the Chiefs
After weeks of speculation, Travis Kelce has reportedly decided on his future for the 2025 NFL season. Here’s what it means for Kansas City.
Travis Kelce's future has been a topic of speculation after the Kansas City Chiefs loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Many have wondered whether the 35-year-old veteran would choose to retire for another season.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach confirmed at the NFL Scouting Combine that Kelce is "fired up" about playing in 2025. While he is entering the final year of his two-year contract extension, there have been possibilities that this could be his final season in the NFL.
Is Travis Kelce planning to retire from the Chiefs?
Before the Super Bowl, there has been chatter about the future of Travis Kelce. The Tight end spent his entire 12-year National Football League career with the Chiefs. Kelce has 10 Pro Bowl nods under his belt to go along with All-Pro nods and three Super Bowl wins.
Brett Veach revealed that he had a recent conversation with Kelce, he strongly believes that the Ohio player has no intentions to retire.
"We left it as, he’d be back, and we’re excited to get him back and get him going," Veach stated.
Kelce is set to enter the final year of his two-year, $34.25 million contract extension that he signed last offseason. So far, there have been no signs of negotiations for a new deal, meaning he could play out the remainder of his contract before deciding to retire.
The Chiefs face a March 15 deadline to pay Kelce an $11.5 million roster bonus, which reportedly led the team to give him a firm deadline for his retirement decision.
Kelce’s legacy and recent performance
Travis Kelce has been with the Chiefs since 2013, earning 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors. Over his 12-year career, he has been remarkably durable, missing only six regular-season games.
Recently, Kelce spoke about his future on his podcast, addressing speculation about his potential retirement.
"Right now, I’m just kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions, but my biggest priority is being there for my teammates and coaches, understanding how much goes into this," Kelce shared.
Although Kelce had a down year by his usual standards, finishing the season with 97 receptions, 823 yards, and 3 touchdowns, he remains Patrick Mahomes’ most reliable target. Even if past his prime, he is still one of the top tight ends in the league.