Travis Kelce Eyes One Last Super Bowl Run Amid Retirement Speculation

By Jason Bolton June 11, 2025 10:08

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are on veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who is reportedly contemplating one final push for a Super Bowl before hanging up his cleats. At 35 years old and entering his 13th NFL season, Kelce remains a pivotal figure in the Chiefs’ offense, but whispers of retirement have grown louder, fueling speculation about whether 2025 will be his swan song.

Kelce’s Commitment to One More Season

Earlier this year, Kelce put to rest some of the retirement rumors with a succinct and powerful message on social media: “ITS TIME FOR YEAR 13.” This declaration reassured Chiefs fans that their star tight end is not ready to step away just yet. General Manager Brett Veach echoed that confidence, telling The Kansas City Star, “You’ll see Travis have more of an impact. Maybe it’s not in production, but it’s the offense overall.” Veach’s comments suggest that while Kelce’s statistical output might decline slightly due to age, his leadership and football IQ will continue to shape the team’s success.

Kelce himself has acknowledged the physical toll of a long NFL career but remains motivated. In a text to ESPN’s Pat McAfee, he confirmed, “I’m coming back for sure,” adding that he aims to be in “the best shape I’ve been this offseason” and is determined to “get back to the mountaintop.” This mindset reflects Kelce’s competitive fire and desire to end his career on a high note.

A Season to Remember or a Farewell Tour?

Kelce’s 2024 campaign was statistically his least productive, with 97 receptions for 823 yards and just three touchdowns numbers that pale compared to his career averages. His performance in Super Bowl 2025 was similarly subdued, catching only four passes for 39 yards in the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the dip, teammate and quarterback Patrick Mahomes sees a different Kelce at training camp. “If this is his last season, you wouldn’t be able to tell,” Mahomes said. “The way he’s discussing football, his commitment to training, and his desire to improve this year compared to last year indicates he doesn’t seem like someone who is ready to step away from the game or is weary of it.”

Head coach Andy Reid has taken a more measured stance, emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with Kelce. “That’s up to Travis,” Reid said. “I told him to get out of town and relax. They played a lot of games for a consistent amount of seasons. At the end of the thing, you’ve exhausted yourself mentally and physically, step back and take care of that and then we’ll talk.”

Personal Life and Focus

Off the field, Kelce has made headlines for his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. However, reports indicate that the couple has scaled back public appearances to allow Kelce to focus on football. An insider told Reality Tea that Kelce is “going all in for this season” and that “injury would be the only thing that could derail him.” This renewed focus suggests Kelce is serious about making one last Super Bowl run.

Legacy and Future

With three Super Bowl titles under his belt and multiple All-Pro selections, Kelce’s legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history is secure. Yet, the 2025 season may define his final chapter. The Chiefs, aiming to reclaim the Lombardi Trophy, will rely heavily on Kelce’s leadership, experience, and playmaking ability.

As the Chiefs Kingdom braces for what could be Kelce’s farewell season, one thing is clear: Travis Kelce is not ready to fade quietly. His determination to return to peak form and chase one last championship cements his status as a true competitor until the very end.