Travis Kelce is once again at the center of retirement rumors after the Kansas City Chiefs’ disappointing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 2025. The veteran tight end, who has been with the Chiefs since 2013, has dropped several hints about his future, sparking speculation on whether he will retire or continue playing.
Kelce’s Thoughts on Retirement Over the Years
Kelce has previously spoken about his love for football and his reluctance to set a timeline for retirement. In April 2023, he said he had not given much thought to stepping away from the game, adding that his body still felt good and that he still enjoyed contributing to the team.
However, by November 2023, he admitted that injuries had made him consider retirement more than anyone realized. He acknowledged dealing with lingering pain from multiple surgeries, which had become an increasing concern.
Despite this, he remained committed to the sport. In January 2024, ahead of the Super Bowl, he stated he had no reason to stop playing. His enthusiasm was reinforced in June 2024 when he declared that he planned to keep going “until the wheels fall off.”
Hints About the End of His Career
Kelce made comments in December 2024 that fueled further retirement speculation. He mentioned that when the Chiefs played the Cleveland Browns, it felt like his “last” game in his hometown. He shared memories of growing up in Cleveland and the surreal feeling of playing there, suggesting that it might have been a farewell moment.
By January 2025, his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, had reportedly been a motivating factor in his decision-making process. Kelce said Swift encouraged him to enjoy playing and loved cheering him on at Chiefs games.
Even his longtime teammate Patrick Mahomes weighed in, saying he had no idea if Kelce was considering retirement. Mahomes noted that Kelce had signed a two-year contract extension worth $34.25 million before the 2024 season but acknowledged that the star tight end also had a fulfilling life outside of football.
Kelce’s Latest Statement on His Future
During a Super Bowl press conference on Feb. 3, 2025, Kelce directly addressed questions about his future. He stated that he hopes to still be playing football in three years and emphasized his love for the game.
“I love doing this. I love coming into work every day,” he said. “I feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me. We’ll see what happens.”
While Kelce has explored other career opportunities, such as his hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live” and various media ventures, he reassured fans that his focus remains on football.
“For the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football,” he added.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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