Super Bowl 59 could be the last time we see Travis Kelce in a Kansas City Chiefs uniform as a football player. The 35-year-old Kansas City tight end has not decided whether he will play in the 2025 NFL season, and his decision could hinge on the final result of the Super Bowl Sunday matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former Cincinnati prospect will take his time to think about his future after the big game, and plenty of opportunities are likely awaiting him should he decide to hang up the cleats for good. Should Kelce retire this offseason, he would close the book on an all-time career as a tight end.
Will Super Bowl 59 Be the Final Game for Travis Kelce?
Kelce has the most receptions in NFL postseason history (174), and he needs three catches on Sunday, Feb. 9 to pass San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice (33) for the most career receptions in Super Bowl history (Kelce has 31).
Kelce’s 12,151 career receiving yards ranks third all-time among tight ends behind Jason Witten (13,046 yards) and Tony Gonzalez (15,127 yards). His other achievements include 10 Pro Bowls and four first-team All-Pros.
It remains to be seen whether Super Bowl 59’s outcome influences Kelce’s approach to the future. A loss to the Eagles could motivate him to return for a 13th season, while the first three-peat of the Super Bowl era could lead Kelce to retire atop the sports world.
According to NFL analyst James Palmer, Kelce provided an emotional speech to his team Saturday night before Super Bowl Sunday.
Palmer stated, “I’m told just like last year, Travis Kelce was moved to tears during his speech to the team last night at the team’s hotel. He’s an emotional person, and some in the organization don’t want to admit it, but they do believe this could be his final game. He hasn’t said anything one way or another, so we’ll see.”
I’m told just like last year Travis Kelce was moved to tears during his speech to the team last night at the team hotel. He’s an emotional person, and some in the organization don’t want to admit it, but they do believe this could be his final game. 🤷♂️ He hasn’t said anything one…
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) February 9, 2025
In 2024, Kelce signed a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs, keeping him with them through 2025. His $19.8 million cap hit in 2025 could impact the Chiefs’ roster decisions and force them to make a tough decision about moving on from Kelce.
If the Chiefs make history and become the first team to win three straight Lombardi Trophies, Kelce could go out on a high note and start his post-football life with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
However, the night before the Super Bowl, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Kelce’s decision could be heavily influenced by what happens against the Eagles. Kelce and the Chiefs aim for a record third straight Super Bowl win, which would be the fourth title in Kelce’s 12-year career.