KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their final home appearance of the 2025 season, head coach Andy Reid provided a candid, if non-committal, assessment of the speculation surrounding Travis Kelce’s potential retirement. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Reid acknowledged the gravity of the moment but clarified that no official decision has been reached regarding the 36-year-old tight end’s future.
The Chiefs (6-9) are set to host the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day in what will be their last game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this season. With the franchise already mathematically eliminated from the postseason—marking the first time the team will miss the playoffs in the Patrick Mahomes era—the narrative has shifted toward the potential end of an era for one of the most decorated duos in NFL history.
“I don’t know if it is [his last game] or not. I haven’t talked to him [about it],” Reid said when asked about the possibility of Kelce playing his final home game. “But I think his numbers and personality and the person speak for themselves. Phenomenal person… he’s everything you want from a player representing an organization.”
Kelce, a 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion, is currently in the final year of his contract. While his production has naturally slowed in his 13th season, he remains a focal point of the offense, particularly following the season-ending ACL injury suffered by Patrick Mahomes earlier this month. The tight end recently crossed the 11,000-career receiving yard mark and was named to his 11th Pro Bowl earlier this week.
The sentiment of a potential farewell was echoed in the locker room by veteran defensive tackle Chris Jones, who called the possibility of Kelce’s departure “sad” during his Wednesday media availability. “I hope it isn’t his last ride, but if it is, I tip my hat off to him. Hell of a career,” Jones remarked.
Kelce himself has remained largely guarded about his intentions. During a press conference on December 19, he declined to provide a definitive update, stating he preferred to keep the focus on the team’s remaining schedule. However, he did note that he is in a “unique time” in his life, referencing both the team’s transition and his upcoming personal milestones, including his planned summer wedding to Taylor Swift.
As the Chiefs look toward a 2026 season defined by roster uncertainty and the recovery of their franchise quarterback, Kelce’s decision will serve as the primary domino for the organization’s offseason planning. Whether Christmas Day serves as a seasonal finale or a career swan song, his legacy as the most prolific tight end in franchise history is already secure.
