Travis Kelce Discusses Future in NFL Amid Retirement Speculation
Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' tight end, has opened up about his future in the NFL, revealing that he has yet to make a definitive decision regarding retirement after this season.
During a press conference on November 21, the 36-year-old athlete acknowledged that he is still weighing his options. He expressed a desire to provide ample notice to the Chiefs should he choose to step away from the game.
Kelce reflected on his brother Jason's recent retirement, emphasizing the importance of timing. “You know, seeing my brother go through it and seeing just how the league works, the season kind of restarts in April,” he stated. “I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity to know whether I come back or not.”
He further elaborated, “I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens up to fill the roster appropriately… All that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then.”
Rumors surrounding Kelce's retirement have intensified, particularly following his engagement to Taylor Swift earlier this year. Meanwhile, Jason Kelce, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
In a June 2024 episode of their “New Heights” podcast, the brothers discussed Jason's decision. He remarked, “This is when you’re going to start knowing, whenever this time comes, and you need to walk away… Bottom line is everyone knows when it’s time for them.”
Earlier in June, Travis had dismissed immediate retirement plans during a press conference, asserting, “I’m going to do it until the wheels fall off.” He acknowledged that he is more aware of the end of his career than its beginning but emphasized the importance of preparing for life after football.
“I love coming to work every single day,” he added. “Obviously, I know there’s opportunities outside of football for me. I think you’ve gotta keep in perspective that I’m a little kid when I come in this building.”
Most recently, during an appearance on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, Kelce reiterated his enjoyment of the game. “Man, I’ll be fortunate to keep having fun with these guys year in year out,” he said in October. “I take it day by day, year by year. I just love coming into work with these guys.”
