Travis Kelce gauging how body feels before deciding future
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) arrives before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce sounded like a man who has more in the tank in respect to his football career during Wednesday's episode of his "New Heights" podcast.
"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," Kelce told his brother, Jason. "I think there's a lotta love for the game that's still there and I don't think I'll ever lose that.
"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. Right now it's just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels ... and kinda when it all settles down."
When Jason attempted to get the real skinny on his brother's future plans in football, Travis said the decision wasn't finalized yet.
The Chiefs' lackluster 6-11 season ended with a whimper, leading some to wonder if the four-time All-Pro wanted to end his career on that note.
"Every season ends for me, I put my feet up, and I just be a human because I've been putting my body through the wringer for the love of it," Travis Kelce said. "I do enjoy playing football and the physical aspect of it, I think there's something about feeling the wear and tear of the football season to just f---- getting ready for a game knowing that your body is f---- beat down man.
"... But yeah, I think just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and trying to figure out what I'm doing to do next in terms of my future in football."
Prior to the season, Travis Kelce admitted that he contemplated retirement. He also said his life has changed in some ways since he began dating the biggest pop star on the planet in Taylor Swift, to whom he is now engaged.
Kelce, 36, last month joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with at least 12 consecutive seasons producing at least 800 receiving yards.
Kelce led the team in receptions (76), yards (851) and touchdowns (five, tied with Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown).
The three-time Super Bowl champion and 11-time Pro Bowl selection is the Chiefs' all-time leader in receptions (1,080), receiving yards (13,002) and touchdown receptions (82).
--Field Level Media
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