Travis Kelce's Potential NFL Retirement, Patrick Mahomes' Injury Timeline Discussed by Chiefs Owner

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt appeared on NFL Network's Good Morning Football and discussed a variety of topics, including tight end Travis Kelce's potential retirement as well as the return timeline for quarterback Patrick Mahomes from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee.

Kelce, a 13-year veteran and four-time All-Pro, is taking time to decide whether he will return. Hunt made clear that the Chiefs would like to have him back (h/t Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk).

"Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back," Hunt said. "He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there's no doubt in my mind that he can still play. We're trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision.

"He has sort of a busy offseason coming up with his engagement and marriage, so we want to be respectful and give him the time he needs to make a decision. But we certainly hope that he'll be back."

The 36-year-old Kelce remained productive in his 13th NFL campaign, catching 76 passes (sixth among tight ends) for 851 yards (fourth among tight ends) and five touchdowns in 17 games.

As for Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP is working his way back from a season-ending injury suffered on Dec. 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hunt provided some hope that Mahomes could be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.

Mahomes underwent successful surgery on Dec. 15, per ESPN's Nate Taylor, who added that the typical return timeline is nine months. That would keep him out for offseason activities and training camp, but it's conceivable that he could be ready for the beginning of the season. The majority of the league will start the season on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Kansas City is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 campaign, which followed a nine-year stretch that included nine AFC West titles, five AFC Championships and three Super Bowls.