By Jett HatchShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberNFL legend weighs in on swirling offseason speculation surrounding Kansas City’s superstar tight end
As Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce weighs one of the biggest decisions of his legendary NFL career, whether to retire or suit up for another season, football icon Tom Brady appears to have weighed in with a supportive message that resonates with where Kelce finds himself.
Travis Kelce's Career at a Crossroads
Following a challenging 2025 season in which the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, Kelce has openly acknowledged that his future in the NFL is uncertain. The 36-year-old tight end told listeners on his New Heights podcast that he is “taking some time” to reflect on his next steps and despite still loving the game, is wrestling with the retirement question as the Kansas City chapter of his career comes to a close.
Kelce’s contract with the Chiefs is set to expire in March, adding another layer of decision-making to whether he will return to the field or move on to life beyond playing.
Brady, now enjoying life in broadcasting and other ventures, has publicly praised Kelce’s on-field excellence, saying he believes Kelce is “a great player,” a commendation from one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks that carries weight with peers and fans alike.
What Kelce Has Said About Retirement
Kelce’s own statements paint a picture of a player deeply attached to football but aware of the physical and emotional toll of the game. On New Heights, he described wanting to step away for a spell to “be a regular human” and consider what comes next, while expressing that he could return “in a heartbeat” if his body and motivation align.
His future could also include opportunities beyond the gridiron; Kelce has long been linked with television and media work, which he has said won’t necessarily influence his decision but adds intriguing options for “life after football.”
A Defining Moment for an NFL Legend
As rumors swirl and media narratives intensify around Kelce’s potential retirement, the support and perspective from a figure like Brady, who has navigated his own retirement decisions under an intense spotlight, adds a compelling subplot.
Whether Kelce returns to the Chiefs for another season or closes the curtain on one of the most storied tight end careers in NFL history, the dialogue between past and present greats like Brady and Kelce highlights the universal truth of sports: the end of one chapter is often the beginning of another.
For more: Matt Nagy Predicted to Leave Chiefs for Head Coaching Job
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