If Travis Kelce decides to hang up the cleats this offseason, he won’t be stepping away from football entirely-at least not if TV networks have anything to say about it.
The Kansas City Chiefs star tight end, a three-time Super Bowl champion and 11-time Pro Bowler, hasn’t yet made his plans for the 2026 season official. But on a recent episode of his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce said he plans to inform the Chiefs of his decision before free agency heats up in March. That gives Kansas City-and the rest of the football world-a narrow window to prepare for what could be a significant shift.
While Kelce’s All-Pro days may be behind him, he was still a key contributor this season, posting 76 catches for 851 yards and two touchdowns. For most tight ends, that’s a career year. For Kelce, it’s just another example of how high he’s set the bar over the last decade.
And if this is the end of his playing days, the next chapter could be just as high-profile. According to reports, Kelce is already drawing serious interest from TV networks, with some insiders suggesting he could command an eight-figure salary as a broadcaster. That’s not surprising-he’s charismatic, insightful, and has the kind of name recognition that instantly draws eyeballs.
One scenario gaining traction involves Kelce potentially stepping into a high-profile role at CBS. With Matt Ryan recently taking on a front-office position with the Atlanta Falcons, there’s now a vacancy on The NFL Today-and Kelce’s name is being floated as a bold replacement.
Ryan, who was named president of football for the Falcons last week, is now helping lead the team’s search for a new general manager and head coach. That move required him to step away from his role at CBS, where he spent the past few seasons transitioning from the field to the studio. Reflecting on his time with the network, Ryan spoke with gratitude about his colleagues and the experience of being part of a broadcast team.
“When I left, I was so lucky to be given the opportunity by David Berson and CBS to become a part of this team,” Ryan said. “My first year was with a crew on the road, and we were calling games.
And when you’re out on the road calling games, you become a team and a group, and sort of a traveling circus. I’m thankful to that crew.
And the last two years, you guys have become my team. It’s helped me a lot, because it’s not easy.
And I think former players, coaches, and people in that space, we can all relate to that, but you guys have made it better for me, and realized there’s life after, and you keep going.”
That sentiment-about finding purpose and camaraderie after football-is one that could resonate with Kelce as he considers what’s next. He’s already shown he has the personality for the spotlight, from his podcasting success to his off-field ventures. And with CBS reportedly looking to inject new energy into its pregame coverage, Kelce could be the kind of dynamic presence that shakes things up.
CBS has long trailed Fox in pregame show ratings-32 straight years, in fact. Bringing in someone like Kelce could be a game-changer, not just for the network, but for how former players transition into media roles. He’s not just a football mind-he’s an entertainer, a communicator, and someone who understands the modern fan.
So while the Chiefs and their fans wait for Kelce’s decision, the broadcast world is doing the same. Whether he’s catching passes or catching viewers, one thing’s clear: Travis Kelce isn’t done making an impact on the game.