- - Travis Kelce shares new details about NFL retirement decision

MASON LEIBJanuary 8, 2026 at 12:36 AM

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Travis Kelce is publicly weighing the future of his NFL playing career.

On a new episode of Travis and Jason Kelce's "New Heights" podcast, released Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end discussed his impending offseason, and whether he will retire or return to football next season.

Travis Kelce said he starts every offseason with a resting period.

"Every season ends for me, I just put my feet up, and I just be a human," he said. "Just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, just trying to figure out what I'm going to do next in terms of my future in football."

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The 11-time Pro Bowl tight end said he has kept lines of communication open as his season draws to a close.

"I've talked to a few people in the facility already, having the exit meetings and everything, and they know where I stand at least right now," he said.

David Becker/AP - PHOTO: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce smiles as he warms up before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, on Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas.

Exit meetings generally involve players meeting with the team's staff and management to reflect on the season and discuss future plans.

In the podcast, Kelce indicated he had not lost affection for football, and that the decision would come down to a physical evaluation.

"There's a lot of love for the game that's still there and I don't think I'll ever lose that," said Kelce. "It's a tough thing to navigate, but at the same time, if my body can heal up and rest up, and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat."

Kelce said for the time being, he is focused on evaluating his body in order to make that decision.

"I think right now, it's just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game and kinda when it all settles down," he said.

The Chiefs' season concluded on Sunday with a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, sinking their season record to a final six wins and 11 losses, as the team missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 season.

The tight end shared love for his team after Sunday's loss.

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"I've got so much love for this team, this organization and the people here," Kelce said, according to the Athletic. "So I'll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings tomorrow and get close to the family and figure things out."

Kelce, who finished the season with five touchdowns and 76 receptions for 851 yards, according to the NFL, is a three-time Super Bowl champion, playing a key role in the Chiefs' success as they took home the title in 2019, 2022 and 2023.

The star is also set to marry music superstar Taylor Swift, after the couple got engaged last summer.

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Source: “AOL Sports”