Has star Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce played his last game?
Per Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper, Kelce didn’t discuss his future after the Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday. In a clip posted to Bleacher Report’s YouTube channel Monday, NFL insider James Palmer said his sources have suggested Kelce will probably retire this offseason.
That may be the right choice. Here are five reasons Kelce should retire:
1. His numbers have dipped over the past two seasons
From 2016-22, Kelce finished with 1,000 receiving yards or more each season. Over the past two seasons, he has failed to hit that number.
In 16 regular-season games during the 2024 season, Kelce had 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdown catches, his fewest since his rookie season in 2013.
Kelce — who turns 36 on Oct. 5 — could continue to decline in 2025. According to Stathead, no TE has had 1,000 receiving yards in a season at 35 or older in NFL history.
2. He has cemented himself as, perhaps, the top pass-catching TE of all time
In a recent interview with Complex Sports’ West Wilson, former Patriots TE and future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski said, “[Kelce is] the best receiving tight end to ever play the game of football.”
Per Pro Football Reference, Kelce ranks third all-time among TEs in receptions (1,004) and receiving yards (12,151) and fifth in touchdown catches (77).
If Kelce keeps playing, he could match or surpass HOFer Tony Gonzalez’s record for most receiving yards (15,127) for a TE in league history. Even if he doesn’t eclipse the mark, Kelce should still be a lock for the HOF.
3. He has won three Super Bowls
The Chiefs could win their fifth title next season. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists K.C’s Super Bowl LX odds at +650, tied for second with the Baltimore Ravens. However, winning another Super Bowl may not significantly improve Kelce’s legacy.
Kelce has fewer Super Bowl rings than Gronkowski (four), but he has the same number of first-team All-Pro nods (four) and is also a member of the HOF’s All-2010s Team.
4. His durability could become a concern
In November 2023, Kelce told J.R. Moehringer of The Wall Street Journal he had undergone 10 surgeries. Playing for one more season could continue to take a toll on his body.
Per Pro Football Reference, Kelce played on 940 offensive snaps in 2024, the third-most of his career. Although Kelce only missed one game because of rest, it could be harder for him to stay healthy, especially if the Chiefs don’t reduce his snap count.
5. He should have financial security
In August 2024, Variety’s Todd Spangler reported Kelce and his older brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason, signed a three-year deal worth more than $100M with Amazon’s Wondery for their podcast “New Heights.”
The nine-figure deal added to Travis Kelce’s impressive financial portfolio. In September 2024, Forbes listed the TE as its seventh-highest-paid NFL player ($17M salary/winnings and $35M in endorsements). Spotrac estimates he has earned $93.9M in 12 seasons with the Chiefs.
Dating singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has also made Travis Kelce much more famous, which could lead to new lucrative opportunities.
