Travis Kelce Gives Cryptic Response on Chiefs Future in Video Amid NFL Retirement Rumors

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hasn't yet confirmed whether he'll return for the 2026 season or hang up his cleats after 13 NFL campaigns, but an interesting moment occurred during a conversation with Not Gonna Lie podcast host (and sister-in-law) Kylie Kelce in an episode that dropped Friday (6:30 mark).

The two were reflecting on the Chiefs' remarkable run, which included five AFC titles and three Super Bowl wins from the 2019-2024 seasons. Kansas City had a tough 2025 season (6-11), but the two also looked a bit toward a better future next year.

"It's been nuts man, it's been nuts," Travis Kelce said. "Obviously when you're in it, it all happens so fast. So being able to take that step back this year, i don't know, I'm still proud of the work that we've done. Who knows if we can keep that thing going?"

Kylie Kelce then responded: "I think it's a nice break to run it back next year."

"Oooooooo," Travis Kelce responded.

Kylie Kelce then knocked on wood before the interview moved onto the topic of Travis Kelce being the Chiefs' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Travis Kelce previously gave some thoughts on his future on an episode of his New Heights podcast with brother Jason Kelce after the Chiefs' season ended. He stressed that "there's a lotta love for the game that's still there" and that he didn't foresee himself ever losing that.

In essence, the biggest question is whether Kelce feels his body can handle another season.

"If my body can heal up and rest up and I feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18-,20-, 21-week run, I would do it again in a heartbeat," Kelce said.

Kelce, who turns 37 on Oct. 5, started all 17 games last year and finished with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns. He finished tied for sixth in receptions and fourth in receiving yards among tight ends.

He is now an 11-time Pro Bowler, four-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champion.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said on NFL Network's Good Morning Football that the Chiefs "certainly hope" Kelce returns. For now, that answer is uncertain, but Kelce is taking some well-deserved time to enjoy his offseason as he ponders his football-playing future.