KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, offered a poignant reflection on his NFL future following the team's heartbreaking 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, January 4, which marked the end of their season without a playoff berth for the first time since 2014.
Speaking to reporters after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kelce, 36, expressed deep affection for his teammates and the organization. “First things first, I just love this team,” he said in a video shared by Kansas City Star reporter Sam McDowell on X, formerly known as Twitter. Despite the disappointing finish, Kelce highlighted the resilience shown by the squad, particularly in the wake of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' season-ending injury.
The Chiefs had confirmed in December 2025 that Mahomes had successfully undergone surgery for a torn ACL, a blow that sidelined the two-time MVP and altered the team's trajectory. Kelce praised his fellow players for stepping up. “I’m proud of the way we finished the season even though it ended the way it did,” he added, giving a shout-out to those who “still showed up and gave it their all” amid the challenges.
As speculation about his retirement swirled throughout the 2025 season, Kelce addressed the uncertainty head-on. He revealed that immediately after the Chiefs' loss in the 2025 Super Bowl, he knew he wanted to return for one more year. “I knew right away after the 2025 Super Bowl loss that I wanted to give this [season] a shot,” Kelce said. Reflecting on the current moment, he was more ambiguous: “We’ll see.”
Kelce indicated that his decision-making process might take time. “Who knows? Either it hits me quick or I gotta take some time,” he remarked, contrasting it with the previous year. “I think last year was a little bit easier.” He plans to use the immediate offseason to decompress and evaluate. “I’ve got so much love for this team, this organization and the people here, so I’ll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings tomorrow and get close to the family and figure things out,” Kelce stated.
The tight end also fielded questions about his individual performance amid the team's struggles. When asked if he felt like a better player this season, Kelce responded affirmatively on a personal level. “Obviously, we didn’t do as well as a team, but I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock and roll with the right intentions,” he said. He attributed the Chiefs' 8-9 record— their worst since 2014— to misfortune in tight contests. “The ball just didn’t go our way in a lot of those close games, unfortunately,” Kelce explained.
Looking ahead, if Kelce opts to return for what would be his 12th NFL season, he emphasized the need for better preparation and durability. “If he does choose to come back for another season, that’s something I’ve really gotta focus on,” he said, specifically mentioning his availability and staying “ready for those moments.” Kelce's comments come at a time when his off-field life has also evolved significantly; he got engaged to pop superstar Taylor Swift in 2025, adding another layer to his considerations about balancing career and personal commitments.
The emotional weight of the game was palpable for Kelce, who described a whirlwind of feelings during a post-game press conference covered by the Associated Press. “You’ve got everybody in the world watching you,” he said. “You get to go out there with the young guys on prime-time television. Young guys getting an opportunity to taste what this NFL life is like.” This sentiment underscored the mentorship role Kelce has embraced with the Chiefs' emerging talent, even as the team missed the playoffs.
Retirement rumors have dogged Kelce since the Super Bowl defeat earlier in the year, fueled by his age and the physical toll of the sport. The tight end, who has amassed over 11,000 receiving yards and 77 touchdowns in his career, largely with Kansas City since being drafted in 2013, has been a cornerstone of the franchise's recent success, including three Super Bowl victories. However, this season's injury to Mahomes and the subsequent 8-9 finish have intensified discussions about his next steps.
Kelce's older brother, Jason Kelce, a former Philadelphia Eagles center who retired in 2024 at age 38, weighed in on the speculation during an appearance on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown in December 2025. Jason, now focusing on broadcasting and family, admitted he was in the dark about his sibling's plans. “I’m curious too,” Jason said. “In my opinion, to nail that decision, you have to step away from the game for a little bit. Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coaches. The team’s going to be different no matter whether you come back or not next year.”
Jason Kelce's advice highlights a common post-season ritual for veterans: taking a deliberate break to assess priorities away from the adrenaline of competition. For Travis, this process could involve travel with Swift, family time, or even pursuits outside football, such as his podcasting ventures with his brother on the New Heights show.
The Chiefs' organization has not publicly commented on Kelce's future, but head coach Andy Reid has previously praised the tight end's leadership and contributions. In exit meetings scheduled for Monday, January 5, Kelce will likely discuss his role and the team's offseason strategy, which may include bolstering the roster around a recovering Mahomes. Kansas City, which has been to the AFC Championship game in four of the last five seasons, faces a rebuild of sorts after this downturn.
Beyond the field, Kelce's engagement to Swift has kept him in the public eye, with their relationship drawing massive media attention since it began in 2023. The couple's 2025 engagement, reportedly in a private ceremony, symbolizes a new chapter that could influence his career choices. Sources close to the couple have not commented on how family planning might factor into decisions, but Kelce's allusions to spending time with family suggest it's on his mind.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Kelce, a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, laces up for another run at a fourth Super Bowl ring. His hints point to a timeline measured in weeks rather than days, allowing for reflection after a season defined by what-ifs. For Chiefs fans, the uncertainty adds to the offseason's tension, especially with Mahomes' rehabilitation timeline projected at six to nine months.
In the broader context of the league, Kelce's potential departure would echo other high-profile retirements, like Jason's, signaling the end of an era for the Kelce brothers who dominated their positions for over a decade. Yet, Kelce's passion remains evident. “A whole lot of emotions,” he admitted post-game, encapsulating the mix of gratitude, disappointment, and anticipation that defines his crossroads moment.