Travis Kelce Hints at Future with Chiefs Amid 2025 NFL Season

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is entering the final seven games of his current contract, leaving his future in the NFL uncertain. The 36-year-old veteran has left open the possibility of playing a 14th season in 2026, but it appears that Chiefs management, including general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, are unlikely to make any long-term commitments until the 2025 season concludes.

Kelce has had an impressive year, recording 50 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns, showing that he can still perform at a high level despite his age. He is leading the Chiefs in catches, receiving yards, and touchdown catches as the team moves through the season. Just last week, he scored his 84th career touchdown, breaking Priest Holmes’ franchise record, which has been a highlight in his enduring career.

Even as he continues to excel on the field, Kelce is mindful of the difficulties that come with making career decisions, especially when considering his older brother, Jason Kelce, who retired from the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2024 season. Travis emphasized the importance of communicating his plans to the Chiefs in a timely manner, expressing a desire to give the team a fair chance to adjust their roster if he decides to retire or explore other options.

“I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not — or whether they want me back or not,” Kelce said on Friday. “I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately. All that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then.”

Kelce’s focus this season has been on maintaining a high level of performance despite the physical demands of being an older player. Head coach Andy Reid praised Kelce’s dedication, noting that the tight end worked extremely hard in the offseason to stay in top shape. “He’s done a heck of a job,” Reid said. “He worked like crazy in the offseason to get himself in tip-top shape, which you have to do when you start reaching an older age. You’ve got to work a little bit extra, and he did that. It’s paying off for him.”

The 36-year-old has made it clear that his decision about the future will come after the season, allowing the Chiefs to prepare for free agency and the draft. Kelce’s professionalism and leadership on the team continue to be a major asset for Kansas City, both on and off the field. Fans can expect him to finish the 2025 season strong, with his eyes on achieving personal milestones while helping the Chiefs compete at a high level.

With a legacy already cemented as one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history, Travis Kelce’s next steps will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Whether he chooses to continue playing or retire, his impact on the Chiefs organization and the league as a whole is undeniable. His careful approach ensures that the team has clarity for the future, and he remains committed to giving his best for the remainder of the season.