Travis Kelce Isn’t Done Yet – And He’s Still Delivering for the Chiefs
Travis Kelce might be in his 13th NFL season, but don’t let the number fool you – he’s still playing like a tight end with plenty left in the tank. Even after the Chiefs’ tough 31-28 loss to the Cowboys on Thursday night, Kelce reminded fans and former teammates alike that he’s far from finished.
In a Week 13 matchup that had its share of fireworks, Kelce hauled in five catches for 45 yards and found the end zone early, connecting with Patrick Mahomes on a short touchdown in the first quarter. It wasn’t a monster stat line by his standards, but the impact was unmistakable. The chemistry between Mahomes and Kelce continues to be one of the most reliable connections in football.
Former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champ Chase Daniel noticed too. He shared a clip of Kelce’s touchdown on social media, adding, “Travis Kelce is not slowing down… makes me wonder if he’s going to play another year.” And honestly, it’s a fair question.
After the Chiefs’ disappointing 2024 campaign – one that ended with a Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles – retirement chatter started bubbling up around Kelce. At 36, with three Super Bowl rings and a Hall of Fame résumé already in hand, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see him walk away.
But instead, he doubled down. Kelce returned for another season, driven by more than just football.
Reports from earlier this year pointed to a personal touch in his decision – a conversation with fiancée Taylor Swift. According to a February report, the couple found something poetic in the idea of Kelce playing a 13th season – Swift’s favorite number.
While Kelce has said he’s not particularly superstitious, the symbolism wasn’t lost on either of them.
Beyond the sentiment, there’s the business side. Kelce is in the final year of a two-year, $34.25 million extension he signed in April 2024.
And so far, he’s living up to it. Through 12 games, he’s racked up 719 receiving yards and five touchdowns, helping keep Kansas City in the playoff hunt with a 6-6 record.
He’s still a critical piece of the Chiefs’ offense – not just a veteran presence, but a playmaker who can shift momentum with a single route.
And while fans and analysts alike are wondering how much longer he’ll keep suiting up, Kelce’s not rushing into anything. Speaking before the Chiefs’ overtime win over the Colts last Friday, he addressed the retirement talk with a clear-eyed perspective.
“I think, you know, seeing my brother go through it and seeing how the league works, you know, this season kind of restarts in April,” Kelce said. “I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not… whether they want me back or not.”
He emphasized that he wants to make a decision before the start of the new league year in 2026 – giving Kansas City enough time to plan for the draft and free agency. It’s a thoughtful, team-first approach that speaks volumes about who Kelce is: a superstar who still puts the organization above himself.
“I won’t think about it until then,” he added. “All that will be at the end of this season.”
If he does decide to return, Kelce would be 37 years old when the 2026 season kicks off – making him one of the oldest tight ends in the league, behind only Denver’s Marcedes Lewis, who continues to defy time at 41. But Kelce’s game has never been solely about speed or youth. It’s about savvy route running, elite hands, and an unmatched connection with his quarterback.
And right now, that connection is still alive and well.
So while the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Travis Kelce isn’t going quietly. Whether this is his final ride or just another chapter in a remarkable career, he’s still producing, still competing, and still making Sundays a little more fun to watch.
