Travis Kelce hasn’t made anything official yet, but if you’re reading between the lines in Kansas City, there’s growing optimism that the All-Pro tight end isn’t quite ready to hang up the cleats.
Kelce wrapped up the 2025 season with 76 catches for 851 yards and a pair of touchdowns - a far cry from his peak years, sure, but still a solid campaign by any measure. While he may no longer be the undisputed TE1 in the league, he remains a dependable weapon in the Chiefs' offensive arsenal and a vocal leader in the locker room. That leadership, both on and off the field, is something the organization clearly values.
Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt made that much clear when asked about Kelce’s future. “As an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said.
“He had another great year. Maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us.
So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play.”
That’s not just lip service. Hunt’s comments speak to Kelce’s enduring value - not just as a pass-catcher, but as a tone-setter for a franchise that’s built its success on continuity, chemistry, and championship pedigree.
But it’s what Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said this week that really caught fans’ attention. Bieniemy, who recently returned to Kansas City after a stint elsewhere, mentioned reconnecting with Kelce in what he described as a positive, if informal, conversation.
“I’ve had a small minimal conversation with both and they all have been great,” Bieniemy said. “But more than anything, it’s just the excitement of reuniting.
It feels good just to sit down and have conversations with guys. To be honest, I haven’t talked any football or anything, it’s just the excitement of seeing each other.”
No X’s and O’s, no playbook talk - just two familiar faces catching up. But in a place like Kansas City, where relationships matter and culture is king, even casual conversations carry weight. The fact that Kelce is engaging with coaches this early in the offseason has fans reading the tea leaves - and many believe it points to a return.
Of course, if Kelce were to decide he’s done with football, there’s no shortage of interest in what’s next. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, there’s already buzz about a potential bidding war for Kelce’s services in the broadcast booth.
“I think Travis Kelce is one who, if he retires, definitely could do TV,” Marchand said. “I think he wants to do games, so that’s one to watch.”
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Kelce’s charisma, quick wit, and deep football IQ make him a natural fit for the media world. He’s already shown he can command a camera the same way he commands a huddle.
But here’s the thing: just because he can transition to TV doesn’t mean he’s ready to. The fire still seems to be there.
The connection to the team is strong. And if the Chiefs are making another run at a title - with Patrick Mahomes still in his prime and Bieniemy back in the fold - it’s tough to imagine Kelce walking away from that kind of opportunity.
For now, the decision rests with No. 87. But if the vibes around the team are any indication, the door to one more season in red and gold is wide open - and Kelce just might be ready to walk through it.