Travis Kelce is keeping busy this offseason as questions continue to swirl about his NFL future. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 36, has not publicly confirmed whether he plans to return for another season after the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 — Kelce’s first full-time year in the league.
While fans wait for an update, Kelce gave a small glimpse into his offseason routine with a fresh haircut in Los Angeles. Around the same time, two retired NFL stars weighed in on the growing retirement speculation, with one suggesting Kelce may be approaching the right moment to step away.
Travis Kelce Debuts Fresh Cut in Los Angeles During Offseason
Kelce’s Los Angeles barber, Vince Garcia, posted a photo of the NFL star this week after a grooming appointment at Garcia’s shop. In the image, Kelce sits in the chair wearing a Chiefs cape, sporting a buzz cut and a tight beard.
“Always good catching up fam! Preciate you 👊🏽💯,” Garcia wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, January 13.
Kelce’s Los Angeles trip has also included time with fiancée Taylor Swift. The pair were spotted having dinner at the Beverly Hills restaurant Funke on Monday, January 12.
The offseason arrives at a pivotal moment for Kelce. After completing his 13th season with Kansas City, he has not announced whether he will return for a 14th year.
Eli Manning Says Travis Kelce Will Know If He’s Ready to Keep ‘Grinding’
Retired New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning addressed Kelce’s situation while speaking to People about the release of Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch Knob’s Creek bourbon. Manning said the decision comes down to Kelce’s internal drive, especially as the physical demands increase with age.
“That’s his decision, that only he can make, and only he knows what his desire and commitment towards it is,” Manning told PEOPLE. “And it’s one of those deals as you get older, it’s not like you can do less and get the same result. You gotta work twice as hard to get half the results — the injuries, the buildup, you’re getting slower, the fast-twitch motions.”
Manning explained that Kelce will likely learn the answer by paying attention to whether he still feels motivated to commit to the daily work that comes with playing at a high level.
“I think as [Kelce] thinks over these next few weeks or months, he’ll kind of know like, ‘Hey, am I itching to get back there and start grinding and start training and start doing everything I need to do or am I ready for this next chapter?’” Manning said.
Manning also pointed out that Kelce has options beyond football that can keep him connected to the sport without the toll of playing.
“He’s got other opportunities, he’s got other things that he can stay busy with,” Manning said, adding that post-playing ventures allow athletes to be part of the game “not getting hit” and not having to “do all those things that are the requirements to play at the level he wants to play.”
Jamaal Charles Says Kelce Has ‘Nothing to Prove’
Kelce’s retirement talk has also drawn comments from former teammate Jamaal Charles, who played four seasons with Kelce in Kansas City. In an interview with Chiefs Wire, Charles suggested Kelce has already accomplished everything he set out to do.
“I say you need to retire. Yeah, nothing to prove, no more,” Charles said. “Man, go enjoy your life — you won a couple of Super Bowls. I mean, that’s more than anybody wishes can win — Pro Bowls, All-Pro tight end. You’re a Hall of Fame tight end.”
Charles also pointed to what he viewed as a shift in Kelce’s movement, while still acknowledging his ability.
“If your body doesn’t feel it, I didn’t feel like Travis (Kelce) was playing at a high level like he used to, just by knowing Travis and seeing the way he moved, but he still has it,” Charles said.
He added that Kelce has already earned the career many players chase, referencing veteran tight ends still searching for a championship.
“There are a lot of ‘Tony Gonzalezes’ out there, almost the same age, and trying to get a Super Bowl ring, you already got it,” Charles said.
Charles also highlighted Kelce’s potential in broadcasting.
“Ain’t nothing to prove to me. I already know you good. We already know you good. You’re set for life,” he said. “I mean, go, kick up your feet and be on somebody broadcast or ESPN, and we’ll definitely tune in to you.”
Kelce already has several ventures outside the NFL. He co-hosts the “New Heights” podcast with his brother, retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. He also co-owns 1587 Prime Steakhouse in Kansas City with teammate Patrick Mahomes. Kelce has also expanded into business investments and endorsement deals, creating multiple opportunities whether he returns to the field or begins a new chapter.
Travis Kelce Shows Off a New Look as Another NFL Legend Weighs In on Retirement Talk