Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs has to make a decision during the offseason of whether or not to retire from the Chiefs. Football is obviously something Kelce loves, but at 36 years old, he’s getting to that age where most NFL players move on.
Sure, there are exceptions. Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old and in the playoffs this season. Tom Brady played until he was 35 years old. But, playing in the NFL into one’s 40s is the exception more than the norm, especially for a player in the tight end position, such as Kelce.
So, while Kelce hasn’t issued his retirement decision yet, the Kansas City Chiefs at least have announced news about the player’s 2025-26’s season in the NFL. It’s worth mentioning that Kelce, by the way, has played 13 season in the NFL, which happens to be his future wife Taylor Swift’s lucky numbers. Is that a sign? No, but it’s a fun thought.
Kansas City Chiefs Honor Travis Kelce With Announcement
On Thursday, January 8, the Kansas City Chiefs announced that Kelce has clocked the most points in Chiefs history by a non-kicker. He reached 522 points during the 2025-26 season.
So, Kelce, again, has made NFL history. On top of that, on Wednesday, January 7, the Kansas City Chiefs announced that Kelce is the first-ever three-time winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Charity Challenge presented by Nationwide. “This honor adds a $35k donation to Trav’s charity of choice, Operation Breakthrough,” the Chiefs stated. “Thank you Chiefs Kingdom, and congrats.”
Even though the Chiefs are ending their 2025-26 run without a trip to the postseason, Kelce continued to clock strong numbers with the team. He finished the season with 76 receptions, 851 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 17 games, according to NFL research.
Travis Kelce and His Retirement Decision
After the Chiefs lost 14-12 to the Las Vegas Raiders, Kelce responded to retirement questions, telling reporters, “Who knows? It either hits me quick or I’ve got to take some time. Last year, it was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away, I wanted to give this [year] a shot. We’ll see.”
He also talked about retirement during the Wednesday, January 7 episode of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason Kelce.
Travis talked about whether or not he wants to retire from the Kansas City Chiefs yet, stating, “If my body can heal up, 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,” Kelce said on the show.
After the Las Vegas Raiders game, Kelce was available to talk to the media, and he discussed how proud he was of his teammates. “I’m proud the way we finished, even though it ended the way it did,” Kelce said. “Guys showed up, gave it their all, and that’s all you can ask for.”
So, the clock is ticking, and Kelce has a retirement decision to make. Either way, the Kansas City Chiefs are honoring what he’s brought to the franchise.
Chiefs Announce Travis Kelce News as Retirement Decision Nears