Travis Kelce Fuels Retirement Rumors With New Reaction to Super Bowl Loss
In the latest episode of New Heights, Travis Kelce got candid about where he is at when it comes to retiring from the NFL.
Travis Kelce is taking time to consider his NFL future following the Kansas City Chiefs’ crushing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Speaking on his “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, the Chiefs’ star tight end admitted that the defeat stung and hinted that retirement is on his mind—though he’s not making any quick decisions.
“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,” Kelce said. “I’m not making any crazy decisions, but the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and my coaches.”
Kelce—who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2013 and has played in more postseason games than almost anyone in the league over the past six years—acknowledged the toll of those extra games. “It’s a lot of wear and tear on your body. It can make you better, but it can drive you crazy at the same time—and this year, it was kind of driving me crazy.”
The 35-year-old also reflected on how aging affects performance, admitting, “As you see yourself not having the success that you once used to have, it’s a tough pill to swallow.”
While Kelce remained noncommittal about his next move, he emphasized that any decision to return would be a fully dedicated one. “If I do come back, it’s gonna be a wholehearted decision—I’m not half-assing it.”
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Surely, he will also consider his romance with Taylor Swift when it comes to returning for another season. This offseason marks the first time that America’s Royal couple will actually have a significant amount of downtime.
Last season, when he had time off, she was traveling Europe for her Eras tour. While he accompanied her during the dates that he could—even popping up on stage in London—this will be the first time they are both truly “off work.”
His dad, Ed Kelce, even shared on Australia’s “Today” show, “I think, you know, once we get past the Super Bowl, I think it’s going to be a very good period of time for the two of them. Without the NFL season, without the Eras tour. Just them alone really connecting more. I think that can only be a good thing.”
As speculation about Kelce’s future swirls, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the topic in a post-game press conference.
“I’ll let Travis make that decision on his own,” Mahomes, 29, said per Us Weekly. “He’s given so much to this team and the NFL. He knows he still has a lot of football left in him, but it’s whether he wants to put in that grind. He’s done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
Kelce’s older brother, Jason—who retired from the Eagles in 2024—encouraged him to take his time before making a decision. “Get away from the noise,” Jason advised on New Heights.
Despite the growing retirement talk, Kelce had previously dismissed any immediate plans to walk away. Before the Super Bowl, he told reporters that he loves playing in the NFL, and he still has “a lot of good football left in me.”
For now, Kelce is keeping fans guessing. Whether he returns or retires, his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history may already be cemented — despite being a non-factor in the loss to Philadelphia and having career lows of 823 yards and three touchdowns this season.
According to Mahomes, Kelce has already done enough to be “a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”