In the aftermath of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 40–22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL became a topic of intense speculation.
The 35-year-old tight end, known for his dynamic performances and charismatic presence, faced questions about his career trajectory following the Chiefs’ defeat.
Kelce’s performance in the Super Bowl was notably subdued; he recorded just four receptions for 39 yards, a stark contrast to his usual impactful play. After the game, he bypassed the team’s planned celebration and headed straight to Taylor Swift’s suite, still dressed in his retro ’70s-inspired outfit.
Swift, who has been attending Kelce’s games since they began dating in 2023, chose to spend the night with him rather than joining in the celebration of a potential championship.
In the weeks following the loss, retirement rumors began to circulate. Kelce himself had previously mentioned considering life after football, stating, “I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That’s always been the goal, knowing that football only lasts for so long.” However, he also expressed a desire to continue playing, saying, “I still feel like I have a lot of good football left in me.”
As the offseason progressed, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid both expressed optimism about Kelce’s return for the 2025 season. Veach noted that Kelce was “fired up” about playing, while Reid emphasized that Kelce would take time to assess his options before deciding on his future.Â
Kelce’s brother, Jason Kelce, also weighed in, suggesting that Travis had likely already made his decision, even if it hadn’t been publicly announced. Jason remarked, “I think he probably, in his heart, already knows what he wants to do.
Amid these discussions, Kelce’s growing involvement in the entertainment industry added another layer to the speculation. He has expanded his presence through podcasting and has even shifted to a new agency specializing in entertainment, suggesting preparations for a post-NFL career. Additionally, his representation, A&A Management, was acquired by 3 Arts Entertainment, a prominent company in film and television valued around $1 billion.Â
Travis Kelce crying as he walks back to the lockers#TravisKelce #SuperBowlLIX #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/rUmwM3E5pT
— MOHAMMAD AHSAN (@MOHAMMAD_AARSH) February 10, 2025
Despite the swirling rumors and his ventures outside football, Kelce confirmed his intention to return for the 2025 season. He expressed a desire to “get back to the mountaintop,” indicating his commitment to the Chiefs and his passion for the game.Â
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kelce to see how he balances his dual pursuits in football and entertainment. His decision to return to the NFL underscores his enduring love for the game, while his expanding presence in the entertainment industry suggests a thoughtful preparation for life beyond football.