Travis Kelce has met all expectations on the football field, except for his retirement. Now aged 35, he is coming off the back of his worst statistical season as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starter. As his football career draws to a close, speculation about his retirement persists.
In a recent interview with USA TODAY’s Mackenzie Salmon, former NFL tight end and current Fox Sports broadcaster Greg Olsen discussed Kelce’s future. Olsen noted that Kelce is in a unique position to dictate his exit from the game, unlike most players. Despite turning 36 in October, Kelce’s recent season fell short of his usual standards, with just 97 receptions, 823 yards and three touchdowns.
Olsen acknowledged Kelce’s productivity compared to his own final season at 36, emphasising that not every year can be a standout one for him. Olsen believes that Kelce has the option to retire after the upcoming season or play a few more years.
Throughout the Chiefs’ successful run, particularly leading up to their loss in Super Bowl 59, retirement discussions have been prevalent. Even quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been asked about Kelce’s future as training camp approaches. Despite the speculation, however, Kelce seems determined to keep improving and aims to have an even better season next year.
Although he contemplated retirement during the off-season, Kelce ultimately chose to return for another year. In a podcast episode with his brother, he expressed his love for the game and his desire to play at a higher level than last year. Kelce is keen to improve on his performance in the previous season, as he feels he let his team down.
Considering the wear and tear of many seasons, Kelce’s dip in production may be partly attributed to accumulated fatigue from facing tough defences week after week.
At Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome, all eyes will be on Kelce as he begins his thirteenth NFL season. 2025 will be the final year of his current contract. With a $19.8 million cap hit for the upcoming season, Kelce is aiming to add more championships to his impressive résumé and finish off a stellar career. A three-time Super Bowl champion, four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler, he is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame, ranking among the top tight ends in NFL history with over 1,000 receptions and 12,000 yards in just 11 seasons as the Chiefs’ primary starter at the position. While Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten top the charts with 16 seasons as starters, Kelce’s achievements are notable in a shorter span. Off the field, Kelce’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift and his successful podcast with his brother contribute to his media presence. With retirement potentially looming on the horizon, Kelce appears to be preparing for new beginnings beyond football.
