Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has solidified his place as one of the greatest tight ends of all time. Despite his numerous achievements, the 34-year-old athlete consistently indicates he is not ready to conclude his NFL career.
Kelce, who will be almost 35 in October, expressed his love for the game ahead of the Chiefs’ June 2024 minicamp. He enjoys coming to work daily.
The average retirement age for an NFL player is 27.6 years, according to a study by RBC Wealth Management. Kelce, however, plans to keep playing football “until the wheels fall off.”
His older brother, Jason Kelce, 36, retired from the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2023 season. Jason offered retirement advice during a June 2024 episode of their “New Heights” podcast.
Jason suggested that the struggle against one’s body, the inability to do what was once possible, signals retirement. He noted that ultimately, everyone knows when their time has come.
Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift, which reportedly led to an engagement announcement in August 2025, does not factor into his retirement plans. Swift actively supports his career.
“I love when Taylor comes, supports me, and enjoys the game with the family and friends,” Travis said in January 2024 on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He stated he has “all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams.”
Kelce has frequently addressed his future in the NFL. In April 2023, he told Bleacher Report he hadn’t “given much thought” to retiring.
He loves playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and feels good. He still believes he can help the team win.
At the Chiefs’ minicamp in June 2023, Kelce reiterated his passion for the sport. He acknowledged he would miss it when he stops playing.
“I get to play for a living at 33, 34 years old,” he stated, emphasizing he does not want to lose the childhood excitement he has for the game.
By November 2023, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Kelce admitted that injuries had made him consider retirement “more than anyone could imagine.” He openly discussed the discomfort, pain, and persistent injuries from his ten surgeries.
In January 2024, at a press conference, Kelce affirmed he had “no reason to stop playing football.” He acknowledged his off-field opportunities, like hosting “Saturday Night Live” in March 2023.
He called his “SNL” experience a “new happiness and a new career path.” However, he feels that path is “much further down the road” than it appears now.
Kelce reiterated in June 2024 that he doesn’t plan to retire “anytime soon.” He cannot “really put a date” on his departure from the NFL.
He understands he is “closer to the end of the road than the beginning.” He focuses on being prepared for life after football.
In January 2025, during an appearance on the “Stephen A. Smith Show,” Kelce refuted rumors that Swift was pressuring him to retire. She fully encourages him to play.
During Super Bowl LIX opening night in February 2025, Kelce was asked about his whereabouts in three years. He hoped to still be playing football.
“I love doing this,” Kelce told reporters. He feels he has “a lot of good football left.”
He has prepared for other life opportunities. He understands football careers have a limited duration.
After the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, a subdued Kelce said, “We haven’t played this bad all season.” He did not comment on his playing future at that time.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was asked if he believed Kelce would return for another season. Mahomes stated he would “let Travis make that decision for himself.” Mahomes praised Kelce for his contributions to the team and the NFL.
In October 2025, on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown,” Kelce reflected on his career with his brother Jason. He considers himself lucky to continue having fun with his teammates year to year. He takes it “day by day, year to year.”
In November 2025, Kelce provided a clearer update on his retirement plans. He told reporters he would give the Kansas City Chiefs ample notice.
He wants to inform the Chiefs whether he will return before free agency opens and the draft occurs in April. This allows the team to plan properly. He clarified that he will make this decision at the end of the current season.