As the NFL offseason gets underway, one of the biggest questions hanging over the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t about free agency or the draft - it’s about Travis Kelce.
After a rocky 2025 season that saw the Chiefs stumble to a 6-11 record - a far cry from their Super Bowl appearances the previous three years - Kelce’s future is officially up in the air. The All-Pro tight end, who’s been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s offense for over a decade, hasn’t made any public declarations about whether he’ll be back for another season or hanging up his cleats.
This week, Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, offered a glimpse into the uncertainty surrounding her son’s decision. Speaking briefly at LAX, she told reporters that she’s not pushing him in either direction.
“You know, I just want him to do what he feels comfortable doing,” she said. “He’s gotta talk to people in his life to decide what he wants to do.
So I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens!!!”
It’s a wait-and-see approach from the Kelce camp - and understandably so. After all, Travis has long said that as long as he feels healthy and capable of playing at an elite level, he’s not ready to walk away.
And based on the numbers from 2025, he’s still producing. In 17 games, Kelce hauled in 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns - not quite his peak numbers, but still solid production, especially in a season where the offense struggled to find rhythm.
That said, the grind of the NFL season is real - especially for a veteran tight end who’s taken his share of hits over the years. Kelce has never been one to shy away from the physical side of the game, and at this stage in his career, every decision carries more weight. He’s earned the right to take his time.
Off the field, Kelce’s life has been just as high-profile. His relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift has grabbed headlines for over two years now, and the couple is reportedly planning their wedding. This week, a rumor made the rounds suggesting Kelce’s mother might have to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) ahead of the ceremony - a claim Donna Kelce laughed off when asked about it.
“They know I can keep a secret,” she said with a smile.
The couple first announced their engagement in August with a joint Instagram post set to Swift’s song “So High School,” a nod to their whirlwind romance that began back in the summer of 2023.
As for what’s next for Travis Kelce on the field? That remains the million-dollar question in Kansas City.
Whether he decides to run it back for another season or call it a career, he’s already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game. But if he’s got one more run in him - and if the Chiefs can regroup after a tough season - don’t count out a comeback story in 2026.