When Will Travis Kelce Retire? What He’s Said About a Possible NFL Exit

Travis Kelce: The NFL Icon Who Refuses to Walk Away

Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in his position throughout NFL history. Yet, at 34 years old—and soon to be 35—Kelce is far from ready to hang up his cleats. Speaking ahead of the Chiefs’ minicamp in June 2024, he expressed his undying passion for the sport. “I love coming to work every single day and doing this,” he said. While the average NFL player retires at just 27.6 years old, according to a study by RBC Wealth Management, Kelce has made it clear he plans to play “until the wheels fall off.” His dedication to the game is unmatched, and his love for football remains as strong as ever.

Retirement Wisdom from a Brother: Jason Kelce’s Insight

Kelce’s older brother, Jason Kelce, a former Philadelphia Eagles center, recently retired at the end of the 2023 season, setting an example of how to gracefully exit the sport. During a June 2024 episode of their podcast, New Heights, Jason offered words of wisdom to Travis about knowing when it’s time to step away. “This is when you’re going to start knowing, whenever this time comes, and you need to walk away,” Jason said. He emphasized that the struggle to recover and maintain performance is often the sign that retirement is near. “Everyone knows when it’s time for them,” he added. While Jason’s words carry weight, Travis seems determined to continue defying the odds.

Personal Life and the Future: Travis Kelce’s Perspective

Unlike his brother Jason, who has a family with three daughters, Travis does not have immediate family obligations influencing his retirement plans. However, he is in a committed relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift. While a source close to the couple revealed in May 2024 that Travis has “no plans” to propose anytime soon, their relationship remains strong. Travis has expressed how much he values Swift’s support, especially her presence at his games. “I love it when Taylor comes and supports me and enjoys the game with the fam and friends,” he said in January 2024. Swift, who is also at the peak of her career, has been a constant source of encouragement for Travis to keep pursuing his football dreams.

A Legacy of Passion: Travis Kelce’s NFL Journey

From his early days in the NFL to his current status as one of the league’s top tight ends, Travis Kelce has always been driven by an unrelenting passion for the game. Over the years, he has repeatedly expressed his love for football and his reluctance to retire. In April 2023, he told Bleacher Report, “I absolutely love what I’m doing. My body still feels good, I still feel like I can help the Kansas City Chiefs win.” This mindset has only grown stronger, even as he approaches his mid-30s. In June 2023, he reiterated his commitment to the sport, saying, “I love this game. I know I’m going to miss it when I’m done playing.”

The Challenges of Longevity: Injuries and Beyond

Despite his passion, Travis has openly acknowledged the physical toll the game has taken on his body. In November 2023, he admitted to The Wall Street Journal that injuries have made him think about retirement “more than anyone could ever imagine.” He revealed the discomfort and pain from surgeries—10 in total—that he still feels to this day. However, he remains determined to push through these challenges. In January 2024, he told reporters, “I have no reason to stop playing football.” His resilience and dedication have allowed him to maintain an elite level of performance, even as he approaches the latter stages of his career.

The Future Beyond Football: Travis Kelce’s Next Chapter

While Travis Kelce is focused on extending his NFL career for as long as possible, he is also preparing for life after football. In March 2023, he made headlines by hosting Saturday Night Live, an experience he described as “opening up a new happiness and a new career path.” However, he insists that any thoughts of retirement are still far on the horizon. “I’m going to do this until the wheels fall off,” he said during a June 2024 press conference. With the support of his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, and his unwavering love for the game, Travis Kelce is determined to continue making history on the field while setting himself up for success off it.

In February 2025, after the Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Travis reaffirmed his commitment to football, stating, “Hopefully, I’ll still be playing football” in three years. His teammate, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, echoed the sentiment, calling Travis a joy to work with and watch. As Travis Kelce continues to defy expectations and push the boundaries of his career, one thing is clear: the NFL—and football fans everywhere—will miss him when he’s gone.