Travis Kelce Talks Retirement and If the Chiefs Would ‘Want Me Back’ as the Team Sits Out of a Playoff Spot

Travis Kelce is still holding off on making a decision about his eventual retirement from football.

As Kelce, 36, spoke to reporters on Friday, Nov. 21, the tight end was asked if he’s started to think more about his plans for next season, with the Chiefs currently out of a playoff spot. Kelce could retire, or return for a 14th season in the league.

The three-time Super Bowl champ started by mentioning his brother Jason’s emotional decision to retire in March 2024.

“You know, seeing my brother go through it and seeing…just how the league works, the season kind of restarts in April, and I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity to know whether I come back or not,” he said.

And vice versa,” Kelce continued, saying with a smile: “Like, whether they want me back or not, it’s one of those things where I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens up.”

The Chiefs star said he wants to put his team in the best position for the “opportunity to go out there and fill the roster appropriately” next season.

“So, all of that will be at the end of the season and I won’t be thinking about it until then,” Kelce said.

As the Chiefs hope to get a win against the Colts on Sunday, Kelce said he’s enjoying the “challenge” of being 5-5 at this point in the season.

“Every single day is a new challenge and I love that,” Kelce told reporters on Friday

The tight end also said this year’s Chiefs squad may be facing challenges on the field, but the chemistry among players is strong.

“The chemistry of this team is the most fun I’ve been on in awhile,” he said during the media availability.

Despite the loss to the Denver Broncos on Nov. 16, Kelce set a franchise record, surpassing running back Priest Holmes’ record after catching a short pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running it in for a 21-yard touchdown.

But Kelce wasn’t interested in celebrating his accomplishment after the Chiefs’ loss. “If you’re going to ask me about the record, I could care less about that right now,” Kelce told reporters.