Much has been made about Travis Kelce‘s future in the aftermath of the Chiefs’ disappointing 2025 season.
After going to three straight Super Bowls and winning back-to-back, Kansas City fell apart this year and posted their first losing season of the Andy Reid era — marking the first time since Patrick Mahomes became the starter that the Chiefs haven’t at least made the AFC title game.
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Because of that, and all that’s been going on in his off-field life, many are wondering if we’ve already seen the last of No. 87 in Chiefs red. But that won’t be the case if his brother’s wife, Kylie, has anything to say about it.
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after first down during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
(© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)Kylie Kelce gives her opinion on Travis Kelce retirement
Appearing on his sister-in-law’s podcast this week, Travis Kelce talked about this recent run KC has been before reflecting on his future with the team.
“It’s been nuts, man. It’s been nuts. Obviously when you’re in it, it all happens so fast. So being able to take a step back this year is just kinda like— I don’t know. I’m still proud of the work that we’ve done and who knows if we can keep that thing going,” the 36-year-old tight end said.
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To which Kylie replied: “I think it’s a nice break… to run in back next year.”
Travis appears to signal retirement decision after Eric Bieniemy hire
One thing that might’ve tipped off Travis’ upcoming decision were his comments after former Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy was re-hired by the team this offseason.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building,” Kelce said at the time. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all-time, one of my favorite people of all-time. I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy and it’s going to be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby.”
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“I think it’s a marriage that’s gonna pick up right where it left off,” the four-time All-Pro added. “EB and who he is as a coach, you can see kind of his personality, what he brings to the table in that Chicago team. … You can see those running backs over in Chicago and their body of work was definitely an Eric Bieniemy-style of football.”
Kelce bounced back pretty nicely from his down year in 2024 — but it’s clear the 10-time Pro Bowler is closer to the back-nine than the front. With Patrick Mahomes suffering the knee injury he did late last season, Travis has a lot to consider over the next couple of months.
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It’s a better league with players like Travis Kelce in it though and he deserves to go out on his own terms — no matter when that may be.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.