Patrick Mahomes Talks Travis Kelce Retirement Rumors: TE ‘Has a Lot of Football Left’

Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL is uncertain heading into the offseason, but his quarterback believes he still has what it takes to play at a high level.

After the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Patrick Mahomes said that while the decision to retire is ultimately Kelce’s to make, he believes the tight end “still has a lot of football left in him.”

“I’ll let Travis make that decision on his own, man,” Mahomes told reporters. “He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL and been such a joy, not only for me to work with but for people to watch. He knows he still has a lot of football left in him. You can see it. He always makes plays in the biggest moments. But it’s if he wants to put in that grind, to go out there and play 20 games to get to the Super Bowl. He’s done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I know he still has a love for the game. He’ll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own.”

Kelce, an 11-year veteran, will be 36 shortly into the 2025 season. His best years are likely behind him, but he’s still contributing plenty to the Chiefs offense. While his run of seven consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards came to an end last year, Kelce still had 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns in 2024.

He had a vintage performance in the Chiefs’ divisional-round win over the Houston Texans, racking up 117 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.

When asked where he sees himself in three years earlier this week, Kelce answered, “hopefully still playing football,” while specifically mentioning that he’d like to still be with the Chiefs.

While Kelce was optimistic about playing three years from now, that decision isn’t cut and dry just yet. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on SportsCenter on Sunday that Kelce “hasn’t made a decision about whether he will play, and he will not make a decision about whether he’ll play until he figures out exactly what’s in front of him, both on and off the football field.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported Sunday that Kelce is “undecided” about his future and will take time this offseason to evaluate things. Rapoport added that Kelce is “set to make a decision soon.”

As Mahomes mentioned, Kelce could retire this offseason and likely earn a first-ballot trip to the Hall of Fame, but whether he decides to call it quits or run it back remains to be seen.