Travis Kelce reveals how he will decide on NFL retirement: “I’d do it in a heartbeat”

Travis Kelce is not ready to close the book on his NFL career just yet. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end acknowledged that retirement is very much on his mind, but he has not made a final decision. After days of speculation that Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders might have been the last of his career, Kelce offered more clarity while also kicking the can down the road, possibly for weeks or even months.

Kelce sets out retirement decision timeline

Speaking on “New Heights,” the podcast he hosts with his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, Travis said both options are still on the table. He explained that he plans to evaluate his body after taking some time to recover now that the NFL season is over.

When pressed by Jason, Kelce admitted that his immediate priority is rest, not a career-defining announcement.

“As every season ends for me, Just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and try to figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future in football,” Kelce said.

Chiefs star leaves door open to one more season

While Kelce made it clear that retirement is a difficult decision after a career spent playing the sport he loves, he also openly entertained the idea of coming back for another run.

“If my body can rest up and heal up, and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18-, 20-, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat‚” Kelce said. “Right now, it’s just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game and when it all settles down.”

Kansas City teammate: “I know he’s coming back”

In Kansas City, uncertainty remains. Still, belief inside the locker room has not faded. Chiefs star Chris Jones said he expects Kelce to be back next season.

“I don’t buy it. I know he’s coming back,” Jones said emotionally, before adding, “I can’t promise you anything about anyone else.”

For now, Kelce’s future remains unresolved. What is clear is that the decision will be made on his terms, and only after his body has had time to recover from another long NFL grind.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.