Travis Kelce’s Future in the NFL Hangs in the Balance!
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has once again addressed the question that has followed him throughout the week and across his previous two Super Bowl appearances: When will he call it a career?
While Kelce has spoken positively about his love for football and his ability to continue playing at a high level, sources close to the situation indicate that he has yet to make a definitive decision about his 2025 plans.
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, there remains a real possibility that this game could be the final chapter in Kelce’s illustrious 12-year NFL career.
A Decision That Hangs in the Balance
Kelce, widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, is expected to take time after the Super Bowl to reflect on his future. He aims to make a decision before the NFL’s free agency period begins on March 12.
According to sources, Kelce’s decision may be influenced by the outcome of Sunday’s game. A victory would cement the Chiefs as the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls, providing Kelce with the ultimate walk-off moment. However, a loss could ignite a desire to return for another shot at glory.
During Super Bowl LIX Opening Night on February 3, Kelce was asked where he sees himself in three years. His response was telling:
“Hopefully I’m still playing football. I love doing this. I love coming into work every day. I feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me.”
Yet, in the same breath, the 35-year-old acknowledged that he has been preparing for life beyond football.
“We’ll see what happens. I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That’s always been the goal, knowing that football only lasts for so long.”
Kelce even left the door open for retirement, concluding one of his responses with:
“For the most part, I’m planning on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”
A Season of Highs and Lows
For most players, Kelce’s 2024 season would be considered a success. However, by his lofty standards, it was a statistical down year.
The 10-time Pro Bowler recorded his lowest receiving yardage total (823) and fewest touchdown receptions (three) since his rookie campaign in 2013. Despite the decline, Kelce proved he can still deliver when it matters most—posting 117 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round.
If he were to retire, he would be doing so with plenty of gas left in the tank. However, unlike many players, Kelce may have more financial opportunities off the field than on it.
Life Beyond Football
Kelce’s post-football career prospects are incredibly lucrative. His wildly successful New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce, has become a cultural phenomenon.
In addition to podcasting, Kelce has already dipped his toes into entertainment. In 2024, he starred in FX’s horror series Grotesquerie. In 2023, he hosted Saturday Night Live, and he currently leads the Prime Video game show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?.
With a base salary of $4.5 million in 2025 and an $11.5 million roster bonus due on March 14, Kelce could earn significantly more in media and entertainment than he would by continuing to play in the NFL.
The Final Chapter?
As Kelce and the Chiefs prepare for Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the looming question remains: Is this his last game?
A win would allow him to exit on the highest note possible—something very few players in NFL history have achieved. A loss, however, could either push him toward retirement or motivate him for one last run.
Regardless of what happens on Sunday, the football world will be watching closely. Kelce’s decision will shape not only his legacy but also the future of the Chiefs. The coming days and weeks will bring clarity, but for now, one thing remains certain—his impact on the game is undeniable.
