Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reveals what he needs to find out about himself before he can make a decision on potential retirement
The Chiefs will likely support Kelce no matter what his decision is.
To start 2025, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce entered the season in fantastic shape and maintained top form, even as the team struggled. Despite remaining one of the NFL’s best tight ends, Kelce is still considering retirement.
His potential retirement isn’t in question because he’s lost his ability, as most players do. Instead, Kelce is evaluating the physical toll it is taking on his body. He has made it clear that his feelings about his health will ultimately determine his future.
“I think there’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there,” Kelce said on the New Heights Podcast on Wednesday. “I don’t think I will ever lose that. It’s a tough thing to navigate, but at the same time, if my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18 to 21-week run, I would do it in a heartbeat. Right now, I think it’s just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game and kind of when it all settles down.”
Chiefs could target a tight end as Kelce’s replacement regardless of his retirment decision
Whether Kelce returns for another season or not, Kansas City must ensure a smooth transition by identifying his successor now. Given his impact and Mahomes’ need for reliable targets, proactive roster planning is essential. The 2026 NFL Draft, or free agency even, will be KC’s best friend this offseason.
The more weapons the Chiefs can put around Mahomes, the better. And, you want KC to be ready for whatever happens. Let’s say Kelce stays one more year, the Chiefs should still draft or sign a potential replacement. This not only gives KC an option to play some more 12 personnel this upcoming season, but it also allows the new TE to sit behind the greatest tight end of all time and learn. It allows that rookie or young TE the chance to learn from Kelce.
If Kelce is contemplating retirement, a proactive approach would be to draft a tight end now, regardless of his decision. For example, in the 2026 NFL Draft, Baylor’s Michael Trigg or Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers could be strong replacement options. The question remains whether the Chiefs would consider spending an early draft pick on such players.
Whatever happens, KC will need to be prepared. Based on what we’ve heard so far from Kelce, if he’s asking himself whether he can go another 21 weeks playing football, I’d think the answer is yes. He looks like he can easily do that. However, we don’t know what he is feeling. Only time will tell what decision he makes.
Kansas City Chiefs News
Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones makes retirement prediction for TE Travis Kelce after 2025 NFL season comes to an end
Chiefs DT Chris Jones is calling his shot on whether Travis Kelce will hang up his cleats after the 2025 NFL season.
