Is Travis Kelce Retiring? Retirement News & Whether He Is Going To Retire

Travis Kelce Retirement News 2025 NFL Chiefs TE

Published: Feb 13, 2025

Updated: Feb 13, 2025

Travis Kelce has profoundly influenced the modern NFL, but as the Kansas City Chiefs enter a crucial offseason, the future Hall of Famer stands at a crossroads. Following a disappointing defeat in Super Bowl LIX against the Eagles, Kelce has acknowledged that retirement could be on the horizon.

He’s now grappling with a decision similar to that of his brother, Jason, when he exited the league. Despite still being regarded as one of the premier NFL tight ends, Kelce's performance in 2024 saw a decline, resulting in his lowest receiving yards in nearly a decade. Alongside these physical challenges, he is also exploring opportunities in acting and hosting.

While he insists he’s not rushing to make a choice, Chiefs fans are left pondering – will Kelce make a comeback for another title run, or is this the end of an era in Kansas City?

Is Travis Kelce Retiring This Year?

As we touched on above, Kelce has made it abundantly clear that he’s not hurrying to make a decision about his future. After the Chiefs faced a tough 40-22 defeat against the Eagles in the Super Bowl, the star tight end expressed a sense of contemplation, if not some uncertainty, regarding what lies ahead.

On his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce shared, “I think I’m gonna take some time to figure it out... If I do come back, it’s going to be a wholehearted decision.” With a resume that screams Hall of Fame – featuring four first-team All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowls and three Super Bowl championships – he’s certainly accomplished.

When Is Travis Kelce Retiring?

All of that said, the toll of many campaigns in the NFL is apparent. His performance has declined over the last two years, and he acknowledged the challenges: “I’ve played more football than anybody the past five, six years... It can weigh on you, it can drive you crazy.”

While he hasn’t completely ruled out another season, the emotional impact of Super Bowl LIX was clear. “This sport can humble you so fast,” he noted.

It’s impossible to know the exact answer to the question of, “when is Travis Kelce retiring?” But, whether Kelce decides to retire or give it one more go, one thing is for sure – his legacy is already firmly established.

How Many Seasons Has Travis Kelce Played?

Travis Kelce has played 12 seasons in the NFL, exclusively with the Kansas City Chiefs. Selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, he sat out his rookie season due to injury but emerged as a powerhouse beginning in 2014.

Since then, he has earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, numerous All-Pro accolades and three Super Bowl championships. What do you think? Should Travis Kelce play a 13th season in 2025-26, or retire as one of the all-time great tight ends in NFL history?

Travis Kelce Age, Contract & Stats

At 35 years old, Travis Kelce continues to be one of the most effective tight ends in the NFL.

During the 2024 offseason, he secured a two-year contract worth $34.25 million with the Chiefs, which includes $17 million guaranteed. For 2025, his salary is structured with a $4.5 million base, a $12.5 million roster bonus, and a $250,000 workout bonus, resulting in a cap hit of $19.8 million.

Over his impressive 12-season career, Kelce has recorded more than 12,000 receiving yards and 77 touchdowns, consistently placing him among the top pass-catchers in the league. As he approaches NFL free agency in 2026, his future is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing narratives in Kansas City.

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