Chiefs TE Travis Kelce
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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce commented on whether this season could be his last in the NFL.
The 2025-26 season is officially set to begin for the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night. Not only is this a big deal for the organization as it begins a quest for revenge, but there’s a possibility that it’s the swan song for tight end Travis Kelce.
After all, the future Hall of Fame man has seen and done just about everything in his playing career. He’s also now engaged to one of the biggest stars in the world. To top it all off, Kelce’s production has steadily declined in recent years. Many would argue it’s nearing time to hang up the cleats.
Is it actually going to happen next spring? Kelce was asked yet again ahead of Week 1’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Travis Kelce Addresses Potential Last Ride in NFL
With the Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil for Friday’s game, Kelce addressed retirement. He was asked, specifically, whether 2025 is the “last ride.”
“For who, for me?” Kelce began. “Man, it’s the last one on the contract right now, but I’ll tell you what: I’m feeling young and I’m feeling ready to rock, baby.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, sitting beside Kelce at the table, then joked about how loose Kelce’s shirt fit. Kelce agreed, adding a laugh.
“This thing was a little tighter last year,” Kelce said.
The 35-year-old undoubtedly has a lot going on, including his “New Heights” podcast that’s one of the most popular in the nation. Kelce expanded on what the relationship with Swift has brought to his life, citing it as nothing but positive.
“I got one more ring from it,” Kelce said. “Two, if we’re counting the first Super Bowl. I would say ever since I’ve been dating Taylor, life has been fun. It’s been exciting. Obviously, a lot more eyes, and I accept that. I’m living life on a high, I guess.”
Back in 2022, Kelce set the football world on fire to the tune of 110 catches, 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. After that, his yards and touchdowns fell to 984 and 5, respectively. In 16 games last season, he caught 4 more passes but netted all of 823 yards and 3 scores.
That’s led to ample retirement speculation, but Kelce himself isn’t thinking that far ahead.
Rashee Rice-Less Chiefs Offense Will Need Kelce Early in 2025-26 Campaign
This is indeed the final year on Kelce’s contract. He’s accounting for nearly $20 million on the Chiefs’ salary sheet, per Over The Cap, so they’ll certainly need him to deliver the goods. With his 36th birthday approaching, the 10-time Pro Bowler is attempting to fight off Father Time.
Kansas City’s roster demands a productive version of Kelce. Early in the year, that’s especially the case. Wideout Rashee Rice is out until Week 7 due to a suspension. To kick off his debut professional season, fellow receiver Jalen Royals is out with a lingering knee injury. That leaves the Chiefs shorthanded, meaning Kelce will be leaned on more.
A year ago, Kelce simply couldn’t hold up at his previous standard. His explosiveness noticeably diminished, the veteran tight end was oftentimes a decoy or merely a short-yardage threat. That, combined with a lackluster left tackle situation, made life harder on Mahomes. Now, the hope is things will be easier for everyone involved even without Rice.
If this is indeed Kelce’s final year, it sure doesn’t seem that anyone will know until it’s already said and done.