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Travis Kelce has some thinking to do about the decision to retire, but first, the Kansas City Chiefs star plans to put his feet up and be a human being.
Kelce, 36, said he plans to take a couple of weeks, maybe a month, to step away before making a decision about his playing future.
“Every season ends for me, I put my feet up and just be a human being because I’ve been putting my body through it for the love of it. I enjoy playing football and the physical aspect of it, I think there’s something about feeling the wear and tear of the football season and just getting ready for a game knowing that your body is f–king beaten, man. I think there’s something about it, it makes you feel like a mangy animal that’s just, ‘I’m out here looking for a way to survive and I love that s–t,'” he said. Kelce during a recent episode of “New Heights.”
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas on Jan. 4, 2026. (David Becker/AP Photo)
“But yeah, I think just being a normal human being for a couple of weeks, maybe a month or so, and trying to figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future in football.”
While the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Kelce was productive. He was named to his 11th Pro Bowl after recording 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns.
The four-time All-Pro said he’s talked to people in the Chiefs building and they know where they stand right now.
“I’ve talked to some people at the facility who already have exit meetings and everything and they know what my situation is at least now. I think there’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there and I don’t think I’ll ever lose it,” Kelce said.
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Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs watches during the National Anthem before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
“I don’t know, it’s a tough thing to deal with, but at the same time I think if my body can heal and rest and I can feel confident that I can go out and do another 18, 20, 21 week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. I think right now it’s just about finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game and when everything calms down.”
The star tight end called the Chiefs’ season “difficult,” saying it’s a shameful feeling to miss the playoffs.
“It’s a little embarrassing feeling, but you have to keep it moving,” Kelce said. “I’m still a fan of the game and I still love it. So I’ll be paying attention during the playoffs.”
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce waves to fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Kelce said he plans to spend time with friends and family over the next month. If he decides to retire, he will become one of the best tight ends in NFL history and a sure candidate to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In 192 career games, Kelce caught 1,080 passes for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns. No player in NFL history has caught more passes in the playoffs than Kelce, who caught 178 passes for 2,078 yards and 20 touchdowns in the postseason.
