Travis Kelce Gives Timeline on 2026 Return Decision as Retirement Talk Grows

Travis Kelce is in the final year of his Chiefs contract.

Travis Kelce Gives Timeline on 2026 Return Decision as Retirement Talk Grows

Travis Kelce (Image via IMAGO)

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Travis Kelce created front-page news ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs’ crucial Week 12 game against the high-flying Indianapolis Colts. The All-Pro tight end hinted at the timeline of his retirement.

The Chiefs are in a bit of a bind. After 10 games, last season’s Super Bowl finalists find themselves with a 5-5 record for the first time since 2015. If the next few games don’t go in their favor, then a team that won 3 of the last five Super Bowls will miss the playoffs.

Despite the disappointing results, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is in top form. He’s fifth in the league with 2625 passing yards from 233 pass completions, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

So why is the offense struggling to put up numbers? The run game is non-existent even though the Chiefs boast players like Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco (currently on IR). Hunt’s 353 yards on 86 carries place him near the bottom of the starting RB list.

Another big reason is the constant rotation of the receivers due to injuries and suspensions. Rashee Rice sat out the early part of the season, while Xavier Worthy continues to battle injuries and inconsistencies. Tyquan Thornton looked like a world beater in a few games, but lately, he’s been a ghost on the field.

It’s a good thing that Travis Kelce did not retire in the offseason, as most big gossip outlets predicted after the Chiefs lost Super Bowl 59. Kelce decided to return for the 2026 season to play out his contract.

Even at 36, Kelce leads the Chiefs’ receivers with 50 receptions on 66 targets for 631 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kelce is completely committed to dragging his team into the playoffs and possibly ending the campaign with another ring. What will be the Chiefs’ all-time leading touchdown getter’s next move after that? Will he retire and tie the knot with beloved Taylor Swift or continue playing football?

I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not, or whether they want me back or not. I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately. All that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then.

Travis Kelce told Nate Taylor of ESPN

Kelce nearly retired in the erstwhile offseason. Rice joked that he convinced the 3x Super Bowl winner to come back for the 2025-26 season, and he had the option of retiring as the most decorated tight end of all time, but Kelce chose to rejoin the roster. Losing to the Eagles in the Super Bowl left a sour taste in his mouth, and he wasn’t about to let his career end on that note.

Travis Kelce is obsessed with football

Kelce refused to speak with reporters following the Chiefs’ latest defeat against the Broncos. He had zero intention of receiving praise from the media for surpassing Priest Holmes as the Chiefs’ leading TD getter, as it wasn’t the right moment to do so.

Travis Kelce Gives Timeline on 2026 Return Decision as Retirement Talk Grows
Travis Kelce (Image via IMAGO)

On Wednesday’s episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce disclosed the reason behind declining to speak after the game.

Obviously, right now it’s sour because it’s coming off a (expletive) loss. But I got so much respect for the organization, so much respect for the guys that have paved the way, not only in the Chiefs organization, but in the National Football League, that have made an opportunity for me to come in and make a living, live out my childhood dreams, man.

Kelce said

Regardless of the situation, Kelce loves showing up for work. He relishes the game of football more than anything else.

The biggest thing is that I (expletive) love playing the game of football… I love playing. I still feel like I can play it at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year.

Kelce added

Kelce is quietly on the path to achieve his eighth 1000-yard season. He last crossed that threshold in 2022 when the Chiefs lifted the Super Bowl by defeating the San Francisco 49ers.

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