On Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, all of the talk is usually about the big game, which for the 2025-26 season sees the Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots in a West Coast matchup. But, amid the Super Bowl action, a looming Travis Kelce retirement decision is making headlines.
Kelce, 36, is in the midst of deciding if he’ll stay with the Kansas City Chiefs for one more season or retire from the NFL. It’s a difficult decision, and after the Kansas City Chiefs’ 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in their final game of the season, Kelce was asked a handful of retirement questions.
Speaking to reporters, Kelce said, “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.”
Well, the time has come, and according to a report out on Sunday, February 8, Kelce is about to make a move.
Status of the Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce’s Retirement Move
According to research and a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs want Kelce back for the 2026-27 season. There’s even a plan in place for the two parties to meet and discuss Kelce’s future with the franchise after the big game.
“The plan is to reconvene after the Super Bowl to finalize a plan that works for both parties,” Rapoport reported in the piece.
Kelce finished out the final year of a two-year, $34.25 million extension last season, so in order to return, the Chiefs would have to put together a brand new contract. According to numbers from Over the Cap, the Chiefs are$50 million-plus over the projected cap of more than $300 million, so that’s an issue.
But, Rapoport says it will be “no issue” for the team to get under the cap, but that will take time. He projects a new Kelce deal wouldn’t come until March, but that it won’t take too long.
Finally, Rapoport promises to “expect clarity sooner, rather than later, on Kelce.”
Travis Kelce Gets Honored for His Charity Work
On Thursday, February 5, the 2026 NFL Honors took place in San Francisco, as part of the events leading up to Super Bowl LX. Kelce was at NFL Honors, albeit without Taylor Swift, and was up for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field.
The award, according to the NFL’s official website, was established in 1970 and was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton. Each team gets to nominate “one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community,” according to the NFL, “with one winner selected from the 32 club winners.” The Kansas City Chiefs picked Kelce this season.
Kelce was up for the award, but he didn’t get it. Instead, the honor went to Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. Accepting his award, he thanked his family, especially his mother.
Kelce was super gracious after losing. The Chiefs took to their official social channels to post a video of Kelce congratulating Wagner, and he did so gracefully.
Travis Kelce Retirement Decision Gets Update Hours Before Super Bowl