Travis Kelce Weighs NFL Retirement After Super Bowl Humiliation—Taylor Swift Supports Him, But His Family Has Doubts
Travis Kelce has admitted he is seriously considering retirement following the Kansas City Chiefs’ crushing 40-22 Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.
The Chiefs’ loss in New Orleans shattered their hopes of making history as the first team to achieve a Super Bowl three-peat. With girlfriend Taylor Swift watching from the stands, Kelce endured a night to forget, barely making an impact in the game—fueling speculation about whether he will walk away from football.
Kelce Breaks Silence on Retirement Rumors
Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of his New Heights podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce, the 35-year-old addressed the rumors head-on.
“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road,” Kelce said. “I’m not making any crazy decisions yet. My focus right now is on my teammates and coaches, understanding there’s a lot that goes into this.”
Kelce then pointed to wear and tear from 12 seasons in the NFL as a major reason he’s contemplating hanging up his cleats.
“It’s Taking a Toll on Me”
“The fact that we keep going to these AFC Championships and Super Bowls means I’m playing an extra three games than everybody else,” he explained. “That’s a lot of wear and tear on my body. It’s grueling, it can weigh on you. It can make you better, but it can also drive you crazy.”
Kelce admitted this past season took a mental toll, especially as he struggled to maintain his usual dominance on the field.
“When you feel yourself not having the success you used to, it’s a tough pill to swallow,” he said. “And then, to not be there in the biggest moments, knowing your team is counting on you—it’s just a tough reality.”
“I Don’t Want to Half-A It”**
Despite the speculation, Kelce hasn’t made a final decision.
“I’m going to take some time to figure it out,” he said. “If I do come back, it has to be a wholehearted decision. I don’t want to half-a it. I think I can still play, but I need to decide if I’m motivated enough and if it’s the best decision for me as a person.”**
Jason Kelce Weighs In on His Brother’s Dilemma
Jason Kelce, who recently retired after 13 seasons with the Eagles, empathized with his brother’s situation.
“It sucks when you get to this point in your career,” he told Travis. “The physicality becomes harder to manage. The mental side becomes harder because it stacks on top of the physical discomfort. To do it right, you have to be all-in. That’s tough when you know what it takes.”
Fans Convinced He’s Done—But Is Taylor Swift a Factor?
Kelce’s disappointing Super Bowl performance—just four catches for 39 yards—has fueled speculation that he’s ready to step away from football and spend more time with Taylor Swift.
Some fans are convinced he’s retiring, with one writing on X:
“The wheels are falling off. My heart breaks for Trav. All his life, he’s worked hard to get where he’s at.”
Another added: “This sounds like retirement is coming. So sad.”
While some believe Kelce is simply taking time to reflect, reports suggest he and Swift are planning a break together to relax after an intense year.
A source told People:
“Their lives have been a whirlwind since they started dating. Things seem great between them, and they’re incredibly happy together.”
What’s Next for Kelce?
As he weighs his future, Kelce knows the decision isn’t just about football—it’s about his long-term well-being and happiness.
“This sport can humble you so fast. It can shoot you to the moon, and it can absolutely bury you,” he reflected. “It’s the occupation we chose, and not everything goes as planned sometimes.”
For now, all eyes are on Monday’s press conference, where Kelce is expected to announce his final decision. Will he walk away, or does he have one more season left in him?
