As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2025 NFL season, it may be their last real shot at a championship run with their current core. Star tight end Travis Kelce has opted to return for another year following the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. At 35 years old, retirement rumors are growing stronger, although Kelce hasn’t confirmed when he plans to hang up his cleats. The Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl defeat reportedly played a major role in his decision to continue playing—suggesting that a win might have led to his retirement.
As the season approaches, opinions on Kelce’s future are mixed. Many analysts predict a decline in his performance. John Kosko of Pro Football Focus released his tight end rankings for 2025, placing Kelce at No. 7—a ranking many view as disrespectful. Kosko highlighted Kelce’s age as a growing concern, pointing out that 2024 marked his lowest-graded season ever (71.7), a noticeable drop from his 91.4 grade in 2022.
Despite the dip in performance, Kelce still produced solid numbers last season: 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns across 16 games—though the yardage total was the lowest of his career. Over 174 games with the Chiefs, he has amassed 1,004 receptions, 12,151 yards, and 77 touchdowns, playing a key role in three Super Bowl victories
