Travis Kelce leaves the door open: Mahomes injury reignites doubts about his retirement

Travis Kelce once again finds himself at the center of the NFL spotlight at a time filled with uncertainty, reflection, and decisions that could mark the end of an era in Kansas City.

Ahead of the Week 17 matchup between the Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, the legendary tight end sat down with franchise icon Tony Gonzalez for an intimate conversation that raised more questions than answers about his future in professional football.

A strange season and an undefined future for Travis Kelce

The 2025 campaign did not unfold as expected for the Chiefs. For the first time since Patrick Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback, the team was eliminated from playoff contention before December came to a close.

In that context, Travis Kelce continued to perform at a remarkable level despite being 36 years old, leading the offense with more than 65 receptions, over 800 yards. And five touchdowns that kept the team afloat during its toughest moments.

#TravisKelce talked about how he’s still searching for answers on his possible retirement.

via | Sports on Prime pic.twitter.com/nkTKWOhwrH

— Starcade Media (@StarcadeMediaKC) December 26, 2025

Still, individual impact is not always enough to silence collective doubts. During the Prime Video interview, Travis Kelce admitted that the way the season ended left mixed feelings. And that the decision regarding a possible retirement has not yet been made.

He acknowledged feeling motivated, but also aware that he must choose the right path once the regular-season calendar comes to an end.

Contract, legacy, and the voice of family

The idea of hanging up his cleats is not new. After last season’s Super Bowl loss, Travis Kelce had the option to walk away. But he chose to honor the two-year, $34.25 million contract he signed ahead of the 2024 season. An agreement that expires at the end of the current campaign.

His future, he made clear, will depend both on his personal desire and the franchise’s interest in bringing him back.

Throughout this process, Travis Kelce is not alone. His brother Jason, who recently retired at the same age, has become a key point of reference.

Speaking on ESPN, he advised stepping back emotionally, enjoying the final games, and allowing time to bring clarity.