As the 2025 NFL season barrels into its final stretch, one of the league’s most iconic players is inching closer to a major crossroads. Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Pro tight end and future Hall of Famer, is set to become a free agent in the 2026 offseason-and so far, there’s been no indication that an extension is in the works.
That looming uncertainty hasn’t stopped Kelce from opening up about life after football. On a recent episode of his New Heights podcast, Kelce offered a rare glimpse into his mindset beyond the gridiron, even as the Chiefs navigate a rocky stretch on the field. His comments caught the attention of WNBA standout Sophie Cunningham, who reacted on her own Show Me Something podcast.
“Travis is 36?” Cunningham said.
“That is pretty old for football. I was thinking 30, 31 or 32 would be pretty old for football.”
She’s not wrong-especially when you consider the physical toll the tight end position takes. Most players at that spot don’t make it this far, let alone perform at a Pro Bowl level year after year. But Kelce isn’t most players.
Since being drafted in the third round back in 2013, Kelce has become the heartbeat of the Chiefs' offense alongside Patrick Mahomes. He’s been a constant in a franchise that’s reached five Super Bowls and brought home three Lombardi trophies during his tenure. He’s also racked up 10 straight Pro Bowl selections, and with the way he’s producing this year, he’s well on his way to making it 11.
Even in a season where Kansas City’s offense has struggled to find consistency, Kelce remains one of the few bright spots. Through 12 games, he’s posted 59 catches for 719 yards and five touchdowns-numbers that would be impressive for any tight end, let alone one in his mid-30s. His chemistry with Mahomes is still there, his route-running is as sharp as ever, and when the Chiefs need a play, No. 87 is still the guy they look to.
But the Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory. Sitting at 6-6 heading into Week 14, they’re clinging to playoff hopes in an AFC that’s suddenly wide open.
Their next test? A surging Houston Texans team that’s won four straight and is firmly in the postseason mix.
The Sunday night clash at Arrowhead Stadium is shaping up to be a must-win for Kansas City if they want to stay in the hunt.
For Kelce, it’s another chance to show he’s still got gas in the tank-and maybe quiet some of the chatter about age and retirement, at least for now. The Chiefs will need all the veteran leadership and playmaking they can get if they hope to turn this season around. And as long as Kelce’s on the field, they’ve got a shot.
He’s not just playing out the string. He’s still fighting, still producing, and still proving that even at 36, he’s one of the best to ever do it.