Earlier this week a podcast host sat down to record the latest episode.
And a particular choice of words has the NFL world wondering about his future in the league.
That podcast host, of course, is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce and the Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention last Sunday in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, meaning that for the first time since the 2014 season — Kelce’s first full campaign in the NFL — he will be watching the playoffs from home.
Also in that game, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL, ending his year and putting the start of the 2026 season in doubt.
Which brings us to what Kelce had to say about the injury, and in particular, how he framed it on this week’s installment of The New Heights podcast:
“He’s going to make sure that he comes back stronger than ever,” Kelce said of Mahomes. “Hopefully, the Chiefs can get him back as soon as possible. I know right now, it’s kind of right around that Week 1, or the beginning of the season next year. So, I know he’s going to be doing everything he can to get back out on that field for the Chiefs as soon as possible.”
What caught everyone’s attention? Kelce saying “Chiefs,” rather than “we.”
Kelce’s potential retirement has been a focal point of discussion the past few seasons, including ahead of Super Bowl LIX. But rather than stepping away from the game following the Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce returned for another campaign. And while he showed signs of slowing down last year — his 823 receiving yards represented a career low — this year’s version of Kelce looked more like the player he was in his younger days.
It showed up most after the catch where, heading into Week 16, Kelce is averaging 6.1 yards after the catch, his highest average in that metric since the 2021 season, when he again posted a YAC/reception of 6.1.
Those are the only two seasons he has been above 6.0 in that statistic.
His co-host on The New Heights, brother Jason Kelce, talked about the decision his brother faces on Monday Night Football.
“In my opinion, to nail that decision, you gotta step away from the game for a little bit,” said Jason on Monday night. “Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coaches. The team’s going to be different no matter whether you come back or not next year. So enjoy these last three games.
“And then let it sink in. It will come to you with time. There’s so many emotions with this game, right after a season. Especially with the way this one’s been – it’s been so up-and-down … Right now, it’s just too fresh. You gotta step away from it, you gotta think about it, and then it’ll come to you.”
Still, with Mahomes’ 2026 in question, the retirement rumors are bound to follow Kelce everywhere he goes. And with the way he worded that answer on this week’s podcast, those questions are only going to increase in volume.
However, we might get a clearer window into his plans these next few weeks. Again, the Chiefs are eliminated from the playoffs, and if Kansas City wants to avoid an injury to another star player, you might see Kelce’s snaps diminish these final few weeks. He might even sit out a game or two, to get him ready for the offseason and to make sure he is healthy to begin 2026.
But if Kelce is in the lineup for all three games, as something of a farewell tour, that could give us our answer.
