Travis Kelce outlines what it would take for him to return to Chiefs next season
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kelce weighs retirement versus return, citing body recovery and game love.
- Missing playoffs may aid a Kelce return by granting extended rest time.
- Kelce plans short offseason break, then gauges ability for another 18-21 week run.
Following the Chiefs’ loss Sunday in Las Vegas, defensive lineman Chris Jones expressed confidence that Travis Kelce would be with the team next season.
There are many reasons why Kelce, 36, would consider signing a new contract with the Chiefs and returning. But there are an equal number of, if not more, reasons why Kelce could retire.
But on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, Kelce chuckled about Jones’ proclamation.
“That’s why we love Chris,” Kelce said. “He’s very optimistic.”
Kelce talked about his future on the podcast, but it was only his plans for the next few weeks. He’ll be watching to see how the NFL postseason unfolds.
But the Chiefs not being in the playoffs still stings.
“It’s kind of an embarrassing feeling,” Kelce said. “But you keep it moving, man, you keep it moving. And I’m still a fan of the game, and I still love the game, so I’ll be tuned in throughout the playoffs, seeing how this thing shakes out over the next couple of weeks. I’ll get to be around some friends and family in January instead of trying to figure out how to win some playoff games.”
Kelce on why he’d return
Kelce, whose contract expired after the season, talked about what it would take for him to consider a return to the Chiefs.
It’s clear he loves football.
“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 ringer for the love of it,” he 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, getting ready for a game, knowing that your body’s ... beat down, man. I think there’s something to it (that) makes you just feel like a mangy animal that just is ... out here, just finding a way to survive. And I just ... love that (stuff).”
The Chiefs missing the playoffs might help Kelce return, but not because of a sour taste in his mouth about the team’s 6-11 season. It’ll give his body more time to rest, and Kelce said that is key to returning to the Chiefs.
Kelce outlined a timetable for making a decision on his future.
“Just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and trying to figure out what I’m gonna do next in terms of my future in football,” he said. “And 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. And I think there’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there, and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that.
“And I don’t know. It’s a tough thing to navigate, but at the same time, I think 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. So I think right now it’s just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game, and kind of when it all settles down.”
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 8:46 AM.
