If Travis Kelce walked away after the 2025 season, few would question it. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has crafted a résumé that guarantees a spot in Canton — three Super Bowl rings, 11 Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro selections, and a reputation as one of the greatest to ever play the position. Now 36 years old and recently engaged, Kelce has lived nearly every football dream and built a life full of opportunities beyond the game.
Thursday night may have marked the final chapter of his Arrowhead story. In what could be his last home appearance, the Chiefs fell 20-13 to the Denver Broncos, and Kelce appeared reflective as he soaked in the familiar atmosphere of the stadium he’s called home for 13 years.
“You feel the generations of happiness and the love that the fans have,” Kelce said via the Associated Press. “It’s a beautiful thing. It’s something I’ll cherish forever.”
Despite a difficult offensive night with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun under center, Kelce played with pride — leading the team with five receptions for 36 yards and throwing blocks downfield whenever he could. The game meant far more emotionally than it did competitively, and Arrowhead responded with energy that has defined the franchise’s historic run of success.
“You only get a few of those moments to just stand there and appreciate 60,000-70,000 fans cheering for you,” he added. “I always embrace that moment.”
Still Productive, Even in a Transitional Season
Kelce earned another Pro Bowl nod this year, finishing with 73 catches for 839 yards and five touchdowns — remarkably similar to his output from the last two seasons. While not the dominant force he once was, he remains one of the few steady pillars on a roster navigating injuries, inconsistency, and a season that fell short of championship expectations.
He’s acknowledged that his career is winding down, but isn’t rushing the decision.
Kelce says he’ll make the call on his future “when the time comes.”
The Chiefs’ era of dominance didn’t vanish suddenly — signs of a decline have grown throughout the year. Kansas City has now lost eight one-score games, a sharp contrast from the clutch performances that once defined the Patrick Mahomes era. Off the field, change looms too, with ownership announcing plans to move the franchise from Missouri to a new stadium in Kansas by 2031.
As the organization enters a period of transition, Kelce may soon decide whether he wants to be part of what’s next.
One More Game — and Potential Milestones Ahead
If Week 17 is the last time Kelce wears red and gold, he still has history within reach:
- Needs two receptions to pass Terrell Owens for 8th all-time
- Needs a modest gain to surpass 13,000 receiving yards
For now, teammates are hoping the journey continues. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, another franchise cornerstone, said what many in Kansas City are feeling:
“We’ve been through so much together. Just one more season. Just one more.”
Whether or not that becomes reality will be up to Kelce — and he’ll determine it on his own timeline. For a player who brought Kansas City joy, dominance, and unforgettable postseason runs, there’s nothing left to prove — only decisions left to make.
