Travis Kelce has made it clear that retirement is far from his mind, and the Kansas City Chiefs star plans to keep playing in the NFL for the foreseeable future. The 34-year-old tight end, who recently added another Super Bowl win to his already illustrious career and has been making headlines for his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, is showing no signs of slowing down.
In a recent interview on the Rich Eisen Show, Kelce addressed any speculation about him potentially retiring, emphasizing that he hasn’t even entertained the idea. “It didn’t cross my mind one bit,” Kelce said confidently when asked about hanging up his cleats.
For Kelce, the challenge of trying to win a third consecutive Super Bowl with the Chiefs was all the motivation he needed to return for another season. “The excitement of the challenge of this year, being able to maybe do it a third time in a row — that alone was all I needed. That was an instant thought, so there was really not a chance in hell that I wasn’t coming back this year.”
Kelce’s commitment to the game is partly inspired by advice he received from former NFL star Julian Edelman. Edelman, who retired after a successful career with the New England Patriots, shared with Kelce how he knew it was time to walk away. Edelman explained that once he could no longer practice at the level he wanted or feel accountable to his teammates, he began to question whether he should continue playing.
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Kelce, however, is still thriving in his 12th NFL season. “I’m just having so much fun,” he said. “I’m so appreciative and fortunate that I’ve been able to come into year 12 and still have this energy and this love and the ability to go out there and get to work.” His passion for football remains strong, and as long as he feels capable of competing at the highest level, retirement isn’t something he’s considering.
Beyond football, Kelce has already dipped his toes into the entertainment industry, hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live in 2023 to rave reviews. His performance sparked rumors about a potential post-football career in acting and hosting. According to a source from PEOPLE, Kelce thoroughly enjoyed the experience and could see himself pursuing it further after his NFL days are over. “He’s really enjoyed hosting, and after he retires, he wants to lean into acting and hosting. He had a blast at Saturday Night Live.”
While Kelce may have a bright future in entertainment waiting for him, for now, his focus remains squarely on the football field. With his infectious energy, love for the game, and pursuit of another Super Bowl ring, it’s clear that the Chiefs’ star tight end isn’t ready to step away anytime soon.
Fans can look forward to seeing more of Kelce both on the field and, eventually, on screens beyond the gridiron when the time is right.
