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Travis Kelce's NFL Future: Will Taylor Swift's Boyfriend Retire?

Rumors of Travis Kelce's NFL retirement are increasingly circulating in December 2025, raising major questions about the Kansas City Chiefs star's future.

Travis Kelce's NFL Future: Will Taylor Swift's Boyfriend Retire?
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Rumors of Travis Kelce's NFL retirement are increasingly circulating in December 2025, raising major questions about the Kansas City Chiefs star's future.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - News of Travis Kelce's potential retirement from the NFL has become a hot topic among fans and sports analysts in December 2025.

This speculation arose amidst the Kansas City Chiefs' underwhelming performance and the injury to their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

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The Taylor Swift's boyfriend is also recently appeared in the New Heights podcast, talking about his performance and injury.

The 36-year-old has not yet made an official announcement, but various internal and external factors are said to be influencing his decision.

These include his age, which is no longer young for an NFL player, his contract status, and the advice of his brother, Jason Kelce, who recently retired.

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Travis Kelce's Future: Between Age and Performance

On the December 17, 2025, episode of the "New Heights" podcast, Kelce discussed Patrick Mahomes' injury and his recovery timeline.

He used the phrase "hopefully the Chiefs can get him back" instead of "we," which some interpreted as a subtle hint at his potential departure.

The Chiefs' uncharacteristically poor performance, with a 5-5 record as of November 21, 2025, and elimination from playoff contention for the first time in a decade, also fueled these retirement rumors.

Travis Kelce, born on October 5, 1989, will turn 36 in December 2025, an age considered senior in the NFL.

The average retirement age for NFL players is around 27, making Kelce above that average.

Despite this, his on-field performance remains strong, ranking second among tight ends in receiving yards (631) and tied for fourth in receptions (50) as of November 21, 2025.

He has also accumulated over 800 receiving yards this season, indicating that he is far from "finished."

Kelce himself stated that he will make a decision regarding his future at the end of the season, likely before the opening of free agency in March 2026.

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Travis Kelce's Contract Status and Career Options

Travis Kelce signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, which runs through the 2025 season.

This contract carries an effective salary increase of $4 million in 2024, making him the tight end with the highest average salary per season ($17.125 million).

Kelce will become a free agent after the 2025 season, meaning he will need to sign a new contract to play in the 2026 season.

In 2025, Kelce will earn a base salary of $4,500,000, a roster bonus of $12,500,000, and a workout bonus of $250,279.

His total cap hit will be $19,801,946.

Kelce has expressed his desire to make a decision before the Chiefs begin planning for the draft and free agency.

His brother, Jason Kelce, who recently retired in March 2024, has offered advice to Travis to step away from the game for a while to make an informed decision and enjoy the remaining games.

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External Factors and Travis Kelce's Retirement Speculation

Several external factors have fueled speculation about Travis Kelce's retirement.

The Chiefs' disappointing performance this season, which resulted in their elimination from playoff contention for the first time in a decade, has been cited as fueling these rumors.

The Chiefs' loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025, which ended their Super Bowl hopes, further fueled the notion that this season could be Kelce's last.

Patrick Mahomes' season-ending ACL injury in December 2025 added further uncertainty to the Chiefs' future.

Uncertainty about Mahomes' ability to return to his previous level of play could also influence Kelce's decision.

Furthermore, his engagement to Taylor Swift has also been cited by some analysts, such as Stephen A. Smith, as a factor. Smith believes Kelce now has "a lot of good things to come home to" off the field.