NEW ORLEANS — Travis Kelce has made it clear he doesn’t intend to retire anytime soon, even if the Kansas City Chiefs successfully clinch their third consecutive Super Bowl title on Sunday.

The future intentions of the 35-year-old tight end have sparked conversations, particularly as his public profile has soared through his connection with pop star Taylor Swift and through his media endeavors, notably a well-loved sports podcast. During the opening night festivities on Monday before the Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce was posed with the question of where he sees himself three years down the line.

“Hopefully still playing football,” he responded. “I love doing this, I love coming into work every day. I believe there’s a lot of good football still in me. We’ll see what the future holds. I’m aware of the need to prepare for opportunities beyond football, as it’s not a career that lasts forever. That’s always been my mindset, so I’ve been exploring other avenues during the offseason. But fundamentally, my goal is to continue as a Kansas City Chief and play football.”

Kelce continues to perform at a high level, even as he adapts from his peak form. This past season, he recorded 97 receptions but managed only 823 yards with three touchdowns. However, during the divisional round victory over Houston, he showcased his talent with a standout performance, catching seven passes for 117 yards. As he heads into the Super Bowl, he holds the record for the most postseason receptions (174) and ranks second to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in playoff receiving yards (2,039) and touchdown catches (20).

At the opening night event, Kelce stood out as one of the most favored players among the media, drawing a throng of reporters to his podium for the entire hour as they grilled him with questions on various topics—ranging from football insights to his dance moves and even inquiries about whether he might propose to Swift if the Chiefs triumph on Sunday. His amusing reply to the proposal query was, “A Super Bowl ring? Next question.”

He did acknowledge that his relationship with Swift serves as a source of motivation on the football field, driving him to strive for excellence. “I better hold up my end of the bargain,” he remarked, “If she’s out here being the superstar she is, never taking no for an answer, and always working her tail off, I better match that energy for sure.”