Travis Kelce Teases Retirement Decision Timeline, What Must Happen for Him To Keep Playing

Travis Kelce has a lot more free time than usual this January with the Kansas City Chiefs missing the NFL playoffs for the first time in 11 years. The 36-year-old tight end could have his entire calendar free from football in the near future as well, should he decide that now is the time to retire from the game.

Kelce used this week's episode of his and brother Jason's "New Heights" podcast to say as much as he has to this point about his future, including hinting at when he may be ready to decide and what would make him want to come back for a 14th NFL season.

Is Travis Kelce revealing his decision soon?

Possibly, depending on how you define soon and if Kelce adheres to the loose timeline he mentioned on the podcast, which indicates things may be wrapped up within a month's time.

“I think, yeah, just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, trying to figure out what I'm gonna do next in terms of my future in football,” Kelce said, via PEOPLE. “And I think, you know, I've talked to a few people in the facility already, you know, having the exit meetings and everything, and, they know where I stand at least right now.” 

Kelce may play in 2026--if one thing happens

While he's no longer in his prime, Kelce's production was still solid in 2025, as he posted 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns. The Chiefs went 6-11, their worst showing since 2012, which undoubtedly left a sour taste in the three-time Super Bowl champion's mouth.

“It's a tough way to go out, especially with the amount of success and the standard that you hold,” Kelce said Wednesday.

As far as possibly playing again in 2026, Kelce said a decision wouldn't necessarily be based on wanting to bounce back from the team's poor 2025 season, but rather on his own physical health.

“At the same time, if my body can heal up and rest 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," he explained.

One Chiefs teammate is confident Kelce returns

Following Sunday's season-ending loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones told reporters he's "not buying" Kelce hanging up his cleats.

"He'll be back next year," Jones said, adding that while he "can't promise" Kelce's return, he "has faith" in his longtime teammate.

Kelce and his brother joked about Jones' comments on this week's podcast, with the perennial All-Pro saying the star lineman is "very optimistic."