Travis Kelce has sparked retirement rumors after competing in Super Bowl 2025. Fans are wondering—will he hang up his cleats for good?
Chiefs’ heartbreaking loss
The Kansas City Chiefs faced a tough defeat on Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles crushed them 40-22. This loss has fueled speculation about Kelce’s future in the NFL.
Kelce’s thoughts on retirement
Drafted in 2013, Kelce has had an incredible career. But is he ready to walk away? Back in April 2023, he told Bleacher Report he hadn’t seriously considered retirement.
“I love what I do,” he said. “I don’t even want to think about a time limit on this.”
At the Chiefs’ minicamp in June 2023, Kelce reiterated his love for the game. “I know I’ll miss it when I’m done playing,” he admitted. “I don’t want to lose that excitement.”
Injuries take a toll
Kelce has battled numerous injuries throughout his career. In November 2023, he told the Wall Street Journal that pain and surgeries have made him think about retirement more than people realize.
“The discomfort, the pain, the lingering injuries—they don’t go away,” he shared. “I’ve had 10 surgeries, and I still feel every single one.”
Despite the physical toll, Kelce made it clear in February 2024 that he’s not done yet.
“I have no reason to stop playing football,” he declared. “I’ve been lucky to explore things outside of sports, like TV. But football is still my passion.”
Eyeing a future beyond the NFL
Hosting Saturday Night Live opened new doors for Kelce. He called it “a new happiness” and a possible future career. But he emphasized that retirement isn’t imminent.
“I’m going to do this until the wheels fall off,” he said in June 2024. “I know I’m closer to the end than the beginning, but I’m not there yet.”
Hinting at a final game?
Kelce stirred speculation when he called his last game in Cleveland “special.”
“It felt like one last hurrah,” he said on the New Heights podcast in December 2024. “I’ve only played there twice in 12 years.”
Taylor Swift’s influence
Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, has been cheering him on every step of the way.
“She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy the game,” he revealed in January 2025. “She loves coming to the games and supporting me.”
Mahomes weighs in
Patrick Mahomes addressed the rumors before the AFC Championship game.
“He hasn’t said anything about retiring,” Mahomes told 96.5 The Fan. “I know he signed a two-year extension. He still loves football, but he has a great life outside of it too.”
At a Super Bowl press conference on February 3, 2025, Kelce was asked where he sees himself in three years.
“Hopefully still playing football,” he said. “I love this game. I still have a lot left in me.”
Final decision still unknown
Kelce has made it clear—he’s not retiring just yet. He’s still focused on football. But with his injuries, age, and new opportunities, his future remains uncertain. Chiefs fans will have to wait and see!
