Travis Kelce has firmly dismissed suggestions that he is considering retirement from the NFL, despite a dip in performance this season and speculation fuelled by his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. The 34-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end told the Kansas City Star via NBC Sports: 'I have no reason to stop playing football man, and I love it. We still have success. Come in with the right mindset, and I just love the challenge it gives me every single day to try and be at my best. Like I said, I have no desire to stop anytime soon.'
Kelce, who turned 34 last October, acknowledged that he has thought about life after football but has not seriously considered it. He cited his recent forays into television, including hosting 'Saturday Night Live', as opening up new possibilities, but added: 'It's funny for me to even say that at this point in my career. I think it's so much further down the road than it is right now.'
The Chiefs have endured a challenging season, winning just 11 of 17 games—their lowest win total since 2017. Their offense ranked 15th in scoring, but a solid defence helped secure victories. Kelce noted the need to adapt: 'It's a new challenge to find ways to get open. It's a new challenge to find ways to get wins.'
Despite falling 16 yards short of extending his record for eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Kelce opted to sit out the final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Chargers. On his 'New Heights' podcast, he said: 'No it wasn't even about the record. I don't give a s**t about the record. It was a record I had broken four times already. It just didn't feel right to try and go out there for 16 yards.'
