Will Travis Kelce Retire? Chiefs TE Talks Timeline for Decision After 2025 NFL Season

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce discussed potentially retiring at the end of the 2025 season on Friday.

"I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not -- or whether they want me back or not," Kelce said, per ESPN's Nate Taylor. "I'd like to make that decision before they've got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately.

"All that will be at the end of the season. I won't be thinking about it until then."

The 36-year-old is currently playing on the final season of a two-year contract worth $34.25 million that he signed with the Chiefs in 2024.

Kelce reportedly considered retirement at the end of the 2024 season, but also told the media that he hoped to still be playing in three years prior to Kansas City's Super Bowl LIX loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 10-time Pro Bowler has stepped up this season compared to his 2024 campaign, as he's gone from averaging 51.4 receiving yards per game to 63.1 yards on a weekly basis.

Kelce has caught 50 passes on the season, while his 631 yards are the second-most among all tight ends. He's also found the end zone four times.

The veteran has been particularly effective as of late, hauling in 19 receptions on 26 targets for 256 yards and two touchdowns over his past three games.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was impressed with Kelce's impact in 2025.

"He's done a heck of a job," Reid said, per Taylor. "He worked like crazy in the offseason to get himself in tip-top shape, which you have to do when you start reaching an older age. You've got to work a little bit extra, and he did that. It's paying off for him."

The three-time Super Bowl champion has already established himself as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, but he could be back for a 14th season in 2026.