Travis Kelce unemployed as Chiefs star offers new update on NFL retirement | NFL | Sport

Travis Kelce has revealed that he will take several weeks to reach a final verdict on whether to retire or return for another NFL season. The legendary tight end nearly called time on his career after the 2024 season before opting to return for what many expected to be his farewell year with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the 2025 campaign proved to be something of a disaster, with the team failing to reach the playoffs whilst suffering multiple injuries to crucial players including Patrick Mahomes, who endured a season-ending knee injury.

The Chiefs now appear to be considerably distant from contending in the AFC, casting further uncertainty over whether Kelce would fancy returning for the 2026 season. Nevertheless, he has confirmed he hasn’t reached his final decision yet – despite informing the Chiefs of his current thinking. Kelce had discussed retirement just days before their season concluded, before elaborating on his podcast this week.

Speaking on his New Heights podcast, Kelce told his elder brother: “I am officially jobless, Jason,” referring to his contract with the Chiefs expiring at the end of the season. “In fact this is my only job. This is the only company that employs me right now.”

When addressing whether he believes he will return next season, Kelce suggested his mind remains undecided and he is taking time following the season to reach that final decision.

He said: “There’s a lot of love for the game still, and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that. It’s a tough thing to navigate but at the same time I think if my body can heal up and rest and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18-week, 20-week, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat.

“I think right now it’s just finding that answer and see how the body feels after all this settles down.

“Like every season that ends for me, I just put my feet up and be a human because I’ve been putting my body through the ringer for the love of it.

“I do enjoy playing football and the physical aspect of it. There’s something about feeling the wear and tear of the football season, getting ready for a game knowing that your body is beatdown, there’s something to it.

“It makes you feel like a mangy animal that’s just out here trying to find a way to survive. And I love that s***.”

The legendary tight end even provided a timeframe for when he expects to reach a decision regarding his future – aware that speculation will persist whilst he keeps the Chiefs in suspense.

He said: “I think just being a regular human for a couple of weeks or maybe a month, trying to figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future in football.

“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already, having the exit meetings and everything, and they know where I stand for now.”