Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is at a critical juncture in his NFL career, and his quarterback is eager to see him back on the field. After signing a lucrative new contract that made him the highest-paid tight end in the league, Kelce’s performance this season has not quite lived up to expectations.
Statistically, Kelce experienced the least productive season of his career as a full-time starter, with receiving stats declining across nearly all categories. He reached career lows in yards per game, yards per reception, and yards after the catch. Additionally, his average depth of target decreased, and he scored fewer touchdowns than ever before.
Despite these challenges, Kelce has not ruled out retirement, recognizing his less-than-stellar performance this year. He indicated he would reevaluate his future after the season, stating, “I love everything that I’m doing … but at the end of the day, I’m not having that extreme success on the field,” in a recent interview on the Stephen A. Smith Show. He expressed excitement for the remaining games of the season, emphasizing his intention to reflect on his future afterward.
With Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles approaching, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Kelce remains unsure about retirement and hinted it might be the last time fans see him in action. Rapoport shared, “From what I am told, Travis Kelce is undecided about whether or not he wants to play during the 2025 season. He believes he has a lot of good football left and envisions himself playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, but he has not been definitive. He has also said ‘We’ll see what happens.’”
After the Super Bowl LIX loss, while Kelce stayed mum about his future, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed his support for Kelce’s decision. He stated, “I’ll let Travis make that decision on his own. He’s given so much to this team and the NFL. He’s a joy to work with and a thrill for fans to watch. He knows he has a lot of football left in him, making plays in crucial moments, but it’s up to him to decide if he wants to put in that grind.” Mahomes added, “I know he still has love for the game. He’ll take some time with his family and make that decision on his own, but he knows he’ll be welcomed back here with open arms.”
Now, all that’s left is to wait and see what decision Kelce will make.
