NFL
Is Travis Kelce Retiring After the Super Bowl? Signs Pointing to His NFL Future

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for yet another Super Bowl appearance, speculation looms around whether this will be the final game for star tight end Travis Kelce.
Now in his 12th NFL season, Kelce has achieved remarkable success, but questions about retirement have followed him throughout the year.
Could this Super Bowl mark the end of his illustrious career?
Kelce’s Uncertain Stance on Retirement
Despite the rumors, Kelce has not made any definitive statement about stepping away from the game. During a January 15 interview with Stephen A. Smith, he admitted that his thoughts on retirement fluctuate constantly.
“I love everything that I’m doing in this building, but at the end of the day, I’m not having that extreme success on the field as I have individually,” Kelce said.
“I’ll reevaluate it like I always do, and I’ll probably tell myself how much I love this thing, and I’ll come back next year.”
He was also keen to highlight that his relationship with Taylor Swift has had no impact on his decision-making regarding his football future.
What a moment for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ixC0gAiFh6
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025
“She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game,” Kelce said. “She loves coming to Arrowhead and coming to the games and cheering for me.”
While Kelce remains undecided, several moments in the past year suggest that retirement is on his mind. Here’s a timeline of clues that might indicate an impending decision.
Is Travis Kelce Retiring After the Super Bowl?
June 2023: Acknowledging the Inevitable
During the Chiefs’ mini camp in 2023, Kelce reflected on how much he enjoys the game and how difficult it will be to walk away.
“I love this game,” he said. “I know I’m going to miss it when I’m done playing… I get to play a game for a living at the age of 33, 34, and I think that’s something I don’t want to lose.”
November 2023: The Toll of Injuries
Kelce opened up about the physical toll football has taken on his body in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
“The discomfort, the pain, the lingering injuries — the 10 surgeries I’ve had that I still feel every single surgery to this day,” he revealed. These comments indicate that his long-term health could factor into his retirement decision sooner rather than later.
June 2024: Advice from His Brother Jason
Kelce’s older brother Jason, who retired after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, shared some wisdom on their New Heights podcast. He suggested that Travis would begin to recognize when it’s time to walk away.
“This is when you’re going to start knowing,” Jason said. “The fighting your body, the things you used to be able to do but can’t anymore. That’s when it starts to become hard.”
Later that month, Travis acknowledged the reality of his career timeline. “It’s toward the end of the road more than the beginning of it,” he admitted. However, he also emphasized the importance of preparing for life after football before making a final decision.
December 2024: A Sentimental Moment in Cleveland
During a December episode of New Heights, Kelce spoke about potentially playing his last game in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. The Chiefs faced the Browns, and Kelce expressed how meaningful it was to compete there again.
“I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll ever play in Cleveland, but it kinda felt like I was just giving it one last hurrah before I’m done,” he said.
January 2025: Jason Raises More Questions
As the Super Bowl nears, Jason Kelce has fueled speculation by hinting at his brother’s uncertain future. During an episode of They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce on January 25, he revealed his dilemma in choosing between watching the Eagles and Chiefs games.
“I don’t know how many more he has,” Jason said, expressing a sense of urgency about watching Travis play while he still can.
Chiefs. Eagles. Run it back in New Orleans. #SBLIX pic.twitter.com/ompZJTayNu
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025
What’s Next for Kelce?
With another Super Bowl appearance in sight, Travis Kelce’s future remains unclear.
If the Chiefs secure another championship, could he decide to go out on top? Or will his love for the game keep him on the field for another season?
For now, Kelce’s retirement remains a topic of speculation, but all signs suggest that his decision could come sooner rather than later.