At 35, Travis Kelce has done it all: three Super Bowl rings, a decade of dominance, and a media presence that rivals his on-field legacy. But heading into the final year of his contract, questions have swirled: Is 2025 Kelce’s last ride?
Kelce Focused on 2025 Season as He Eyes Strong Finish With Chiefs
Appearing on “Bussin’ With The Boys” on Tuesday this week, Kelce made one thing clear: he’s not walking away just yet. While the idea of retirement has crossed his mind, he’s not ready to call it a career.
“It’s the last one on the contract,” he admitted, before quickly pivoting to his focus: giving everything he has to the 2025 season. After falling short in Super Bowl LIX, Kelce said the loss left a bitter taste and a fire to run it back.
“I can’t, this can’t be the last game, you know?” he said. “I still feel like I can do it, and I kind of wanted to give myself that full focus. When I looked back at the year and how I prepared, it’s not like I was doing it wrong, but I want to give it everything.”
The Chiefs’ star tight end opened up about the realities of playing into his mid-30s. Preparation, recovery, and discipline have become non-negotiables as his body requires more attention than it used to.
“Your body doesn’t respond like it used to,” he said. “You need a plan during the week just to get back to 100%.”
Despite the physical challenges, Kelce remains locked in on his goals. The drive that has fueled his Hall of Fame-caliber career continues to burn bright as he approaches what could be his final season.
“I want to do this for the childhood dream in me,” Kelce added. “I don’t want to leave anything out there.”
While Kelce isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet, he acknowledges the clock is ticking on his playing days.
Kelce Reveals Post-NFL Plans Involving Broadcasting, Acting, and Taylor Swift
In fact, he said he has “an idea of the timeline” in his head for when his playing career will end. But when that day comes, he’s not walking away from the spotlight entirely.
Kelce has already dabbled in acting and is set to appear in Happy Gilmore 2. He also hinted that broadcasting could be next on his list of post-football ventures.
“I’ve always, I feel like, impersonated, you know, guys that call the games and stuff like that growing up,” he said. “Thought it would always be fun.”
Then there’s New Heights, his wildly successful podcast with brother Jason Kelce. That venture isn’t going anywhere, either, as the show continues to grow its audience and influence.
As for his relationship with Taylor Swift, Kelce kept things straightforward when addressing the constant media attention. Yes, the spotlight is relentless, but to him, they’re just living their lives.
“We’re just enjoying life and having fun,” he said, brushing off the tabloid noise.
With Swift off tour this season, expect to see even more of her at Chiefs games. Kelce jokingly said her increased presence may require him to watch his bathroom habits more carefully.
“I just don’t want my meat on Page Six,” he laughed.
Looking at his resume, there’s little left for Kelce to accomplish. Ten Pro Bowl nods, four first-team All-Pro honors, and a spot on the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team speak to a career that’s already cemented his legacy. Yet he’s still chasing more, driven by the same passion that has defined his decade-plus run in Kansas City.
He may be nearing the end of the road, but his final act is far from over. And with another title in sight, Kelce isn’t thinking about the end just yet.