Travis Kelce has not yet decided whether he will return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 NFL season or retire after 13 years in the league, but if the superstar tight end hangs up his cleats, a high-profile broadcasting role could be waiting for him.
According to The Athletic senior sports media writer Andrew Marchand (February 24, 2026), Amazon Prime Video is quietly preparing for a potential change at color commentator on its Thursday Night Football broadcasts.
Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Travis Kelce Could Land Lucrative NFL Broadcasting Job with Amazon Prime Video if He Retires from Chiefs
Longtime analyst Kirk Herbstreit could be moving on in the coming years, and Marchand reports that the streaming giant already has a shortlist of top candidates to replace him:
Greg Olsen (currently with Fox) — widely regarded by many fans and media as the best color commentator in football today.
J.J. Watt (currently with CBS) — the future Hall of Famer who has quickly earned praise for his insightful and engaging analysis.
Marchand identifies two intriguing “wild cards” who could shake up the race: Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay:
“If Prime Video moves on from Kirk Herbstreit, it could look at the well-respected Greg Olsen of Fox and J.J. Watt, but the wild cards are Travis Kelce and Sean McVay,” Marchand wrote.
Why Travis Kelce Could Be a Prime Video Target
Kelce has built one of the most recognizable personal brands in the NFL through his New Heights podcast with brother Jason Kelce, his charisma, and his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. His natural on-camera presence, humor, and deep football knowledge have already made him a media darling.
A move to Amazon’s Thursday Night Football booth would give Kelce a massive platform, likely with a lucrative contract, and allow him to stay close to the game without the physical toll of playing.
Amazon Prime Video has invested heavily in NFL rights (Thursday Night Football package through 2033) and is known for chasing big personalities to boost viewership. Kelce’s star power could be a perfect fit for their streaming-first audience.
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