The Kansas City Chiefs are unlikely to qualify for the NFL playoffs given their 6-7 record. And that means we could be watching the final games of tight end Travis Kelce’s illustrious career over the next.
Travis Kelce’s NFL Career Could Be Over After December
Things haven’t gone as planned for Patrick Mahomes and company in 2025. Hoping to avenge their Super Bowl beat down from a season ago, the Chiefs were widely projected to be an AFC favorite, and to continue their dynastic run that they’ve enjoyed since 2018.
They simply haven’t been the same team that we’re used to seeing. Both their offense and defense still rank in the top 11 in the league in points, but they’ve lost their ability to win tight games and manufacture 4th quarter comebacks, something that had been a staple for them for years. They’ve had a rollercoaster of a regular season, but have gone cold at the wrong time and have now lost four of their last five games heading into mid-December.
Kelce hasn’t been of much help. Statistically, he has been average, totalling 60 catches, 727 yards, and 5 touchdowns through 13 games. His numbers are up slightly over last year’s, which isn’t saying much given that 2024 was the worst year of his career since being named a starter in 2014.
KELCE DROPS IT AND MAHOMES IS PICKED OFF FOR THE 3RD TIME TONIGHT 😱
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/2bRwcqqGUb— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2025
But in crucial situations, he’s been a shell of his former self. Once a part of the clutch operation headed by Mahomes, Kelce has had some back-breaking drops and miscues throughout the season. Perhaps the most impactful mistake happened on Sunday night against the Texans, when the once-sure handed tight end bobbled a pass late in the fourth quarter, which turned into a game-sealing interception for Houston.
Patrick Mahomes Acknowledges That The End Could Be Near
Given his age, current struggles, and the rumors that have followed him all season long, it is becoming increasingly likely that we are watching the final games of Travis Kelce’s NFL career.
“As for their future sure-fire hall-of-famer Travis Kelce, I think this is the end for him… I think we all knew he just came back because of the way they went out in the Super Bowl against the Eagles.”
Stephen A. Smith 🗣️
(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/p2nuBJViKd
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 8, 2025
During the offseason, the question was posed multiple times to the now-36 year old. He ensured that he had little trouble in deciding whether to come back for 2025, and that he would address future years after the season. But that point is rapidly approaching, especially if the Chiefs fail to pull off a miracle in their postseason chase.
Even Mahomes is acknowledging that the end could be near for his long-time teammate, based on his comments after Sunday night’s game:
“Every season I’ve had with him these last few years I’ve tried to cherish because you never know…He’ll have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season.”
Kelce has etched his name in the NFL record books and on all-time lists throughout his distinguished career. If he does call it quits after 2025, he’ll finish in third place in both career receptions and yards amongst tight ends, with the fifth-most touchdowns. The Chiefs have 2 home and 2 away games left on their schedule, and Christmas night could be Kelce’s final game at Arrowhead Stadium.
