Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: Quitting time can wait

Field Level Media|published: Tue 4th February, 01:22 2025

Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce speaks during Super Bowl LIX Opening Night at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

NEW ORLEANS -- Travis Kelce is enjoying the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty era, with no plans to contemplate retirement no matter the outcome of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.

Kelce, 35, said he has weighed what riding off into the sunset in the afterglow of a three-peat might feel like, but he is not seriously considering giving up football just yet.

"I've thought about it, but I still love what I do," Kelce said Monday at Super Bowl LIX Opening Night.

"It's moments like these, weeks like these, the month that we just had in the playoffs that make me feel like I could play this game forever. I think I still got a lot of football left in me. I think this year has been one of the most special years of my life. I think it's gonna continue to make me want to do more in the football world."

Kelce has averaged 7.8 receptions and 87.5 yards per Super Bowl during his career -- both figures representing records among players who have appeared more than once. He needs three catches on Sunday to surpass Jerry Rice's career Super Bowl record of 33.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said for the second year in a row with a Super Bowl backdrop that he is not done yet, either. Kelce's brother Jason, drafted by Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, retired after last season at age 36.

But Travis Kelce hopes to still be playing football in three years.

"I love doing this. I love coming into work every day," Travis Kelce said. "I feel like I still got a lot of good football left in me. 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. You've got to find a way to get into another career, another profession. I've been doing that in my offseasons. But for the most part, I'm planning on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football."

Kelce added regarding his coach and teammates, "We're a family in Kansas City. You only get to Super Bowls if you have that family atmosphere. I'm so lucky to do it with guys like (Reid), Pat Mahomes and Chris Jones."

--Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

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