Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce appears increasingly likely to return for another NFL season. According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the veteran tight end is motivated to keep playing and could suit up for a 14th season in 2026-27.
"Based on conversations with several teams, TE Travis Kelce appears motivated to return to play a 14th season," Dianna wrote on X. She added that the Kansas City Chiefs remain firmly in contention to bring back the three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time All-Pro.
photo of travis kelce in chiefs jersey© Getty Images
Industry insiders say Travis Kelce may be set to return for a 14th season
Travis, who will turn 37 during the upcoming NFL season, has previously spoken candidly about the possibility of retirement. The topic came up in the aftermath of a difficult season for Kansas City, which saw the team miss the playoffs following a series of setbacks.
During an episode of his podcast New Heights, Travis discussed the emotional challenge of potentially ending his career after a disappointing finish.
"It's a tough way to go out, especially with the amount of success and the standard that you hold for yourself and the team," he told his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
jason kelce travis kelce afc championship© Getty Images
Travis and Jason at M&T Bank Stadium
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Reflecting on the closing weeks of the season, he added: "I just appreciate everybody that was in the building, and that was on the field the past three or four weeks when we knew we didn't really have much to play for other than love of the game, the pride and the honor that comes with playing in the NFL."
Jason, who retired from the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024, also revealed what he has surprisingly missed about playing in the NFL.
"I knew I was gonna miss competing and playing and game day. What I didn't know I was gonna miss was the locker room," he said.
He opened up about retirement© Getty Images
Travis in action at Arrowhead Stadium
"Everybody tells you [that] you're gonna miss it, but it's hard to be removed [enough] from it to understand that there ain't anything else that replicates this… That ends up being for sure what I miss the most."
Health has also been a key factor in Travis' decision-making process. The tight end has said he plans to evaluate how his body feels before committing to another year on the field.
The Chiefs' turbulent 2025–26 season may also play a role in his thinking. Kansas City struggled after star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury, contributing to one of the franchise's most challenging campaigns in recent memory.
travis kelce and patrick mahomes with fists in the air© Getty Images
Patrick Mahomes suffered an injury this season
For a player widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, a return could offer the opportunity to finish his career on a stronger note – and potentially add to an already extraordinary résumé.
Travis previously indicated he planned to inform the Chiefs of his decision by early March. With the month now underway and no retirement announcement yet made, speculation is growing that the veteran star could indeed return for another run in Kansas City.
Taylor Swift celebrates with Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs after defeating the Buffalo Bills© Getty Images
The star Kansas City Chiefs tight end is set to reportedly marry Taylor Swift later this year
While Kelce prepares for the gridiron, the world is preparing for the Wedding of the Century. The NFL star has been engaged to singer Taylor Swift since August 2025. The couple announced their engagement on Instagram, posting a series of photos that captured Travis's proposal, the sparkly diamond ring, and the serene floral backdrop where the moment took place.
"Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," read the caption, with a dynamite emoji at the end, a reference to their initials, T and T.
On February 28, 2026, Irish chat show host Graham Norton teased the couple’s wedding date on X. He surprised everyone by tweeting, “So exciting that Taylor Swift has a date for her wedding now!”