The Kansas City Chiefs finished with an underwhelming 6-11 record in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Travis Kelce, 36, posted ordinary numbers, catching 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games. 

And the season went from bad to worse when Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, officially eliminating Kansas City from playoff contention.

Afterwards, Kelce said he would decide on retirement by early 2026. He wants to give the franchise adequate time to plan accordingly before free agency begins in March. But for now, he has shut down those retirement talks. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that he is in touch with the Chiefs about a potential return.Â