Total Pro Sports
Many assume that regardless of what happens in 2025, this will be the final season of Travis Kelce’s illustrious playing career.
Retirement rumors followed Kelce leading up to Super Bowl 59, where the Chiefs were soundly defeated 40-22 by the Philadelphia Eagles. Some wondered if Kelce would call it quits after a disappointing conclusion to the season, but he decided to sign up for his 13th season.
Not only will Travis Kelce be 36 in October, but his production has declined over the last two years. He posted 1,000-yard seasons every year from 2016 to 2022, but has fallen below that mark in consecutive years.
But while speaking to reporters at mandatory minicamp, Travis Kelce wouldn’t rule out the possibility of playing beyond 2025, per NFL.com’s Kevin Patra:
“I got one year on this contract, I know that, and we’ll try and figure out something for next year. The Chiefs organization knows how much I love them. I can’t see myself ever playing anywhere else. We’ll deal with that down the road when the time is right, but right now I’m focused on winning a championship this year.”
2024 was considered a “down” year for Kelce, but he still posted a stellar stat line of 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns. He was productive in the postseason, too, with 13 catches for 175 yards and a touchdown.
Great News: Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce is open to playing in 2026 despite hinting that this would be his final season:
“I got one year on this contract. I know that. We’ll try and figure out something for next year. The Chiefs organization knows how much I love them. I can’t… pic.twitter.com/GKrcWEe50E
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 19, 2025
Kelce was also Kansas City’s lead receiver by a country mile, with Xavier Worthy a distant second (59 catches, 638 yards and six touchdowns). But if Rashee Rice and Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown are healthy (they combined for just six regular-season games), Kelce can expect another considerable drop in production.
Kelce and the Chiefs will begin their push for a fourth Super Bowl together against the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 5. The two teams will play at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil, the first 2025 game of the NFL International Series.
The Chiefs have owned the Chargers since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018. With Mahomes behind center, the Chiefs have gone 10-2 against their longtime rivals, including seven straight wins.
Also Read: Jason & Travis Kelce Confirm Massive Widespread Rumor About Their Mother, Donna Kelce
