Travis Kelce makes retirement admission as Rob Gronkowski claims “father time” has arrived

Dec 20, 2025 - 12:15

Travis Kelce has alarmed fans with his recent statements.

The 13-year veteran and Kansas City Chiefs star declined to talk about his future after he was pressed on whether he would call time on his legendary career once the season ended.

Rob Gronkowski sitting at a Fox Sports studio — Rob Gronkowski thinks he knows what Kelce will do

With the Chiefs mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in 11 years and retirement potentially looming, Kelce admitted it’s a “unique time” in his life.

“I think I’d rather just keep the focus on this team, right now,” Kelce, who refused to speak to the media after the defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers last week, said.

“All the conversations that I have with the team moving forward will be with them. It’s a unique time in my life. I’ve got three games left.

“Unfortunately, I’ve got three games left and I know when the season ends. Just trying to make sure everybody here knows that I’m focused on trying to win games [in] these last three games.”

Kelce also said he plans to play the Chiefs’ remaining three games, something that has also concerned fans, as many believe if he were certainly returning next year, he would have shut his season down with Kansas having nothing to play for.

“It’s just integrity, man,” Kelce said when asked why he plans to play the final few games.

“I signed up to be a Chief, and I love doing what I do. I know I’ve been dreaming of being in these moments and playing for an NFL team since I was a kid.

“Getting back to that will give you more motivation than you could ever need. That’s just how you need to go about work, whether you’re in the [playoff] race or not.

“I’m going to make sure these guys know I’m out there giving them everything I got.”

A month ago, the 36-year-old revealed the Chiefs will know for sure if he will come back to the team or not by early March, which is just before the NFL free agency begins.

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys — Kelce’s unwillingness to commit to a return next year has alarmed fans

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks of the field after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers — There’s no doubt that Kelce can still play at the top level in the NFL

Who is the greatest tight end in NFL history?

#3 Travis Kelce

No matter how Travis Kelce’s career ends, he has cemented his legacy as one of the finest tight ends in NFL history.

It’s why he ranks third on talkSPORT’s GOAT tight end list and is ahead of New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski.

Find out who is ahead of the pair by reading the full list HERE!

Rob Gronkowski expects Kelce not to return next year

Retired NFL star and fellow legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski gave his take on Kelce’s future.

“My gut tells me about Travis Kelce is that he will not be back next year,” he said on FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams show.

“He has had a significant career, Kay… He has had an excellent year once again this year. He is a top tight end in the NFL. I’m not sure exactly what his stats are, but I know he’s producing.

“And if any team can get the type of production that he’s having this year, I mean, I’m talking like 25 other teams would take him in a heartbeat,” Gronkowski continued of Kelce.

“He’s getting first downs, he’s moving the chains, but we’re just so used to Travis Kelce playing at such a high level that he has been doing his whole entire career that know Father Time has gotten to him a little bit.”

Kelce has enjoyed a fine individual campaign for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs will have a huge hole to fill if Andy Reid retires — Many have even speculated about the future of Andy Reid, which would also be a big blow

He leads the team in targets with 92, receptions with 67 and touchdowns with five.

Kelce has 797 yards so far this season, and only the Arizona Cardinals‘ Trey McBride has more with 1,071.

If Kelce records 203 yards in his final three games, he will become the oldest tight end in NFL history to reach such a feat.

Head coach Andy Reid, whose own future has been speculated about, recently hailed Kelce’s campaign.

“I thought he’s had a heck of a year,” Reid said of Kelce.

“I thought he played well, great leadership, obviously, and I thought it was a step up even from what he (showed) last year.

“He made that a point this offseason and really focused in, coming in great shape. It’s helped him throughout the year. He’s been able to maintain that.”

The Chiefs’ remaining games are the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, then Christmas Day against the Denver Broncos and then the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 4.

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