NEED TO KNOW
Travis Kelce discussed what his life could look like when he decides to retire from the NFL while speaking with GQ for a cover story published Aug. 12
The Kansas City Chiefs star mentioned that there are a few things he plans to “stay away from” and put forth some ventures he’d like to pursue
Kelce had been the subject of retirement rumors for months before committing to play for a 13th season with the Chiefs this year
Travis Kelce has a future game plan in mind.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 35, mused about what life could look like when he retires from the NFL while speaking with GQ for a cover story published on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
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Kelce — who was the subject of months-long retirement rumors after his team’s loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 Super Bowl — didn’t discuss timing or terms of his NFL exit. Rather, he put forth a few endeavors he’s interested in pursuing when the time comes.
“I know to stay away from a few things that I dabbled in early,” revealed the NFL star, who didn’t specify what he was referring to.
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Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2024
Earlier in the interview, Kelce shared specifics that he’d like to dial back on at this stage in his life.
“I’m starting to phase out of wanting to be known as the party guy,” Kelce told GQ, even recalling his outing with his girlfriend Taylor Swift at the U.S. Open and defending how their viral moment might have been portrayed.
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“When you see me hanging out at the US Open with Taylor, it may look like the two of us are partying,” he said, explaining, “But I’m just enjoying the fun of being at this really cool event that I always wanted to go to with the person that I love.”
“I’ve become way more strategic in understanding what I am portraying to people,” he made clear.
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Travis Kelce walks the red carpet during Kelce Jam 2024 in May 2024
Travis also recalled a marijuana violation that left him suspended from the University of Cincinnati team until his brother, Jason Kelce, advocated for his reinstatement — but only if several conditions were met.
Ultimately, he worked on himself and locked in. “I started to understand and process these emotions completely differently,” he said of his younger self, adding, “You start to control it and not let it get too crazy.”
Scott Yamano/Netflix
Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny make cameos in “Happy Gilmore 2”
Elsewhere in the interview with GQ, Travis rattled off several future ventures he has in mind.
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“The whole ‘teaming up’ aspect is something that I’ll always kind of desire,” he shared, a dynamic that aligns with several projects he already has in the works.
For example, Travis’ New Heights podcast — that he cohosts with Jason, 37 — still has a couple years left in its landmark nine-figure, three-year deal with Amazon’s Wondery, which the brothers signed in August 2024.
GQ also pointed out the Ohio native’s investment in some Missouri car washes, family businesses that invest in their local communities.
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Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, embrace after a game in November 2023
Travis also explored media outside of podcasting, including TV and film. He hosted Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity, made his acting debut in Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie — and most recently, nabbed his first film role in Adam Sandler‘s Happy Gilmore 2.
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However, the standout athlete told the outlet that acting may not be the route he’ll pursue when he hangs up his cleats in the unspecified future.
“I don’t necessarily know if I’ll take it and run with it when I’m done playing,” he revealed, adding, “But I know that I want to stay around the football world as a profession and then dabble in other areas as well.”
When contemplating a future after the NFL, Travis is looking at fellow former players who are “making it fun,” like ESPN’s Pat McAfee. “I think there is a happy medium,” he shared.
Ultimately, the three-time Super Bowl champ is searching for a post-football life that’s a healthy balance, one that allows him to satisfy his passion and drive — but most importantly, allows him to be happy at the same time.
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“I do want to have free time,” he told GQ. “I do want to have the ability to be around my family. I don’t want to get too busy to where I’m traveling all over the world and I’m not present at home.”
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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift hug on the field after the Kansas City Chiefs win the 2024 Super Bowl in February 2024
Although Travis has committed to his 13th season playing in the NFL, he’s still being questioned about his retirement plans.
When asked on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast in July if the 2025 season will be his final one in the league, Travis played coy.
“I mean…it’s the last one on the contract,” he said, adding, “I’m focused on this one, man.”
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The tight end added that he’ll need to see how he feels at the time.
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“I don’t know what next year’s going to feel like, I don’t know what I’m going to feel like in March or April next year,” he said.
What he does know is he’s got “one on the contract and a hell of a f—ing team” with the Chiefs, including superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whom Travis said is “family” to him now.
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Travis’ current contract with the Kansas City Chiefs is set to expire at the end of the 2025 NFL season.
Read the original article on People