Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs is keeping busy during the team’s offseason, and there’s not a certainty that he’ll return to the NFL for the 2026-27 season. Kelce has been in the news for his decision on whether to retire during the offseason, and everyone has their two cents on whether he should stay or call it a day in the NFL.
Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in their final game of the season, Kelce was asked the inevitable retirement questions. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Who knows? It either hits me quick or I’ve got to take some time. Last year, it was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away, I wanted to give this [year] a shot. We’ll see.”
Well, when it’s time, it’s time, no matter what going on around him. The Kansas City Chiefs had a rough season, and Kelce and the team lost their final game of the season on Sunday, January 4, with a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. So, if Kelce retires now, he’ll go out on a low note, but he’s accomplished so much during his time with the Chiefs. Even in this past season, for 2025-26, he finished with 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 11.2 yards per catch in 16 regular season Chiefs games.
Well, now Kelce has quietly made a surprising career decision. It might hint at what he plans to do as far as retirement this year.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs News Drops
On Friday, January 23, the Buffalo Bills announced that Dalton Kincaid has been named to the Pro Bowl squad, replacing Kelce. It will mark Kincaid’s first Pro Bowl appearance.
In his third season with the Bills, Kincaid had 39 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns, according to NFL research. In the Buffalo Bills’ two playoff games, Kincaid also had nine catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
So, Kincaid deserves it, but it’s interesting that Kelce made the decision to not participate in the Pro Bowl this year.
So far, the Kansas City Chiefs and Kelce have both been silent about the change. “Why did Kelce back out?” one follower asked on X.
More Honors for Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs
On Monday, January 19, the Chiefs shraed that Kelce was named to the 2025 PFWA All-AFC Team. The honor comes from accredited writers covering all 32 NFL teams, who voted on the PFWA’s All-NFL, All-AFC Teams after the end of the 2025-26 NFL regular season.
Kelce received his selection on PFWA’s 2025 All-AFC team. He joins center Creed Humphrey on this year’s All-AFC team. This is the seventh time Kelce has been named to the team in his career, so he’s a regular at this point.
Over his 13 seasons in the NFL, Kelce has notched 1,080 receptions for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns, according to NFL research. PFWA has picked an All-NFL team since 1966 and All-AFC and All-NFC teams since 1992. Congratulations to Kelce and all the winners.
Now, Kelce has his retirement decision to make. Time will tell when that happens, but the clock is ticking.
