The Chiefs boss weighs in on Travis Kelce's future. Will the star tight end defy retirement buzz for another season?
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has a huge decision to make this offseason. Following a disappointing 6-win season as a team but a solid individual season, Kelce is faced with the question of retirement once again.
The 36-year-old put up another season of at least 800 receiving yards in 2025, even without star quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a chunk of the end of the season. It was more than enough to lead the team in the category, with Hollywood Brown being the nearest challenger at 587 yards. Though it wasn’t the season fans had gotten used to five or so years ago, Kelce remains a huge piece of the Kansas City offense.
With retirement rumors swirling around Kelce all season long, missing out on the playoffs and a torn ACL to Mahomes has only exacerbated the rumors. Kelce has yet to make a commitment towards retirement or returning in 2026, but those within the Chiefs organization are relying on a comeback.
Chiefs CEO and chairman Clark Hunt appeared on Good Morning Football on Tuesday, and Kelce’s unknown status for 2026 was a topic of discussion.
"Well, as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back," Hunt said of Kelce. "You know, he had another great year, maybe, you know, not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards. [He] was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there's no doubt in my mind that he can still play.”
“We're trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision. He has sort of a busy offseason coming up with his engagement and marriage. So we want to be respectful, give him the time he needs to make the decision, but we certainly hope that he'll be back."
Hunt’s wishes are clear: for Kelce to return for the 2026 season. Still, he’s giving the seven-time All-Pro space to make his own decision after offering so much to teh club during his 13-year career that included three Super Bowl wins.
If Kelce does return, it would be a slight change for him under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. While Bieniemy will provide a different offensive look than the last few seasons, he was the team’s OC from 2018 to 2022. Perhaps a reunion with Bieniemy would entice Kelce to return, who enjoyed his best seasons during the years he was in the position.
A Chiefs team without Kelce doesn't sound right, but it may be the harsh reality come the start of teh 2026 season. Kelce clearly still has teh ability to play and be one of the better tight ends in football despite his age, but after holding multiple records and winning multiple Super Bowls, there may not be anything else for Kelce to play for. Chiefs’ chairman and CEO, for one, hopes he’ll return for at least one more season.