Everything Travis Kelce Has Mentioned Regarding His Potential NFL Retirement
The Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar Travis Kelce has firmly established himself as one of the all-time great tight ends, yet he shows no signs of calling it quits on his NFL career.
“I might be 34, soon to be 35, but there’s a passion in me for this game, even in the sweltering heat of June,” Kelce declared before the Chiefs’ minicamp in June 2024. “I enjoy coming to work every day and playing this game.”
A study by RBC Wealth Management indicates that the average NFL player’s retirement age is 27.6 years, but Kelce intends to continue playing “until the wheels fall off.”
Kelce’s brother, Jason Kelce, who is two years his elder, showed how to exit gracefully by retiring from the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2023 season. In a June 2024 episode of their “New Heights” podcast, Jason offered some retirement insights to his brother.
Jason Kelce has been a staple of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense for over a decade, but he kept realistic expectations regarding retirement before officially stepping down in March 2024. Drafted in 2011, he became the first rookie in Eagles history to start all 16 regular-season games at center. He […]
“You’ll know when it’s time to step away,” Jason advised. “[It’s] a battle with your body, where you find yourself unable to perform as you used to. That’s when you should reconsider. Everybody understands when it’s time for them.”
Travis, unlike Jason, doesn’t have family obligations impacting his retirement plans—Jason has daughters Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett with his wife Kylie Kelce—though he is in a serious relationship with Taylor Swift. The couple announced their engagement in August 2025, and their relationship thrives alongside their flourishing careers.
“I love having Taylor in the stands supporting me and enjoying the game alongside family and friends,” Travis remarked during a January 2024 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
Continue reading to discover everything Kelce has stated regarding his NFL retirement intentions, or lack thereof:
April 2023
Travis revealed he “hadn’t really considered” retirement during an interview with Bleacher Report.
The relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce has become a hot topic since they began dating in 2023. Their engagement in 2025, shortly before Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl, has garnered even more attention. Swift and Kelce were initially linked in […]
“I genuinely enjoy what I’m doing here in Kansas City,” he stated. “I have no desire to set a retirement timeline. My body feels great, and I believe I can still contribute to the Chiefs’ success. Plus, I find joy in coming into the facility every day.”
June 2023
During the Chiefs’ minicamp, Travis emphasized his commitment to football.
“I adore this game,” he added. “I know I’ll miss it once my playing days are over. … Playing this game professionally at 33, 34 is incredible, and I don’t want to lose that feeling I had as a kid.”
November 2023
The athlete confessed that injuries have led him to contemplate retirement “more than anyone could imagine,” during an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
“That’s the one thing I’ve never really discussed openly,” he admitted. “The discomfort. The pain. The lingering injuries—the 10 surgeries that still affect me daily.”
January 2024
“I see no reason to step away from playing football,” Travis shared with reporters during a press conference. While he recognized opportunities like his March 2023 hosting gig on Saturday Night Live as glimpses into future prospects, he remains committed to the game.
“I’ve been lucky to explore things outside of sports that I find fulfilling, like being on camera,” he explained. “The SNL experience brought me new joy and career possibilities, but the thought of stepping away feels far off right now.”
June 2024
In a press conference, Travis stated he wasn’t planning on retiring “anytime soon” and added that he “can’t really set a timeframe” for his NFL future.
“I’ll keep going until the wheels fall off,” he asserted. “I comprehend that I’m further along this journey than at its onset. I also have to prepare for life after football.”
He remarked that he still finds immense joy in his NFL career.
“I look forward to coming to work every day,” he said. “Of course, I recognize there are opportunities outside football waiting for me. I have to remember that I still feel like a kid when I walk into this building.”
January 2025
In an appearance on the Stephen A. Smith Show, Travis denied any plans for retirement at the encouragement of his girlfriend, Swift.
“She’s wholeheartedly supportive of me enjoying this game,” Travis mentioned. “She loves coming to Arrowhead [Stadium] and cheering for me, so I have all the backing to pursue my dreams.”
February 2025
While at Super Bowl LIX Opening Night on February 3, Kelce was queried about his expectations for the next three years.
“Ideally, still playing football,” Kelce replied to reporters. “I truly enjoy it. I look forward to work every day. I feel there’s still a lot of good football ahead of me.”
He continued, “We’ll see how things unfold. I’ve been preparing for other possibilities in my life. That’s always been my aim, understanding that football doesn’t last forever.”
February 2025
After the Chiefs faced a 40-22 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, a subdued Kelce remarked, “We haven’t played that poorly at any stage this season.”
He didn’t address his future with the team during his brief remarks to the press.
When asked about Kelce’s potential return for another season, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes replied, “I’ll leave that decision to Travis.”
Mahomes added, “He’s contributed so much to this team and the NFL, and it’s been a pleasure working with him and watching him play.”
October 2025
During an interview on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown with his brother Jason, Travis discussed retirement prospects.
“I’ll feel fortunate to keep enjoying this with my teammates year after year,” Travis expressed, adding, “I take it day by day, year by year. I just love coming to work with this team.”
November 2025
Travis provided an update regarding his retirement considerations, telling reporters in November he would give the Kansas City Chiefs ample notice when decisions need to be made.
“Having observed my brother’s journey and understanding how the league operates, I know the season restarts in April, and I want to inform the Chiefs whether I’m returning,” he explained. “It’s critical for them to know if they need to prepare for draft picks and free agency.”
He continued, “I’d like to decide before they opt for draft picks and free agency to build the roster strategically… I’ll assess this at the season’s conclusion—not before.”
