RM Travis Kelce to Delay Retirement Decision Until After the Season, Wants Chiefs to Have Adequate Time to Plan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Veteran tight end and four-time All-Pro Travis Kelce said Friday that he won’t make a call on retirement until the current season concludes. However, he emphasized that he hopes to finalize his choice early enough for the Kansas City Chiefs to adjust their offseason strategy if necessary.

The NFL’s new league year begins on March 11, which also marks the opening of free agency. Teams can begin discussions with free agents shortly beforehand, and front offices will already be deep into preparations for the April draft.

Kelce noted that he admired how his brother, Jason Kelce, handled his own retirement announcement after 13 years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jason revealed his decision on March 4, 2024—timing that allowed the Eagles to construct their roster with clarity going into the offseason.

“Watching my brother go through that process and understanding how the league operates… it made me realize I want to give the Chiefs every opportunity to plan ahead, whether I come back or not,” Kelce said after the team’s final practice before Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

He added, “Ideally, I’ll make that call before the draft and before free agency opens so they can fill out the roster the right way. But all of that will be after the season—I’m not thinking about it until then.”

Many speculated that the 10-time Pro Bowler might walk away following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Eagles in February. Kelce quickly shut down those rumors and committed to returning, spending the offseason improving his conditioning.

That effort has paid dividends: the 36-year-old has already recorded 50 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns.

Kelce acknowledged that Kansas City’s performance this year could influence his decision. The Chiefs, currently 5–5 and outside the AFC playoff picture, have struggled significantly, with the AFC South–leading Colts visiting Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The Super Bowl blowout loss to Philadelphia still lingers with him, but this season has presented even more challenges.

“It’s not about effort—we’re working hard every single day. It’s just execution,” he said. “The coaches are tightening things up, making sure we focus on the details so we can play faster and with purpose.”

Despite the team’s record, Kelce praised the group’s chemistry, calling it “one of the most enjoyable teams I’ve been around in a long time.”

“I’m excited every day I walk into the building,” he said. “There’s still a chance. I’m fighting. This season is different from any we’ve had in recent memory, but every day brings a new challenge—and I love that.”