The Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty has been built on the back of a few important people. But on the field, the two biggest pieces on offense have always been Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Arguably the greatest connection in NFL playoff history, the two have powered seven-straight AFC Championship Games, five Super Bowl appearances, and — heading into Sunday — three Super Bowl victories for their team.
However, over the last two seasons in particular, Kelce’s numbers have seen a bit of a dip as he enters his mid-to-late 30s. It has led to immense fan speculation about his future, especially thanks to his budding relationship with superstar Taylor Swift. Ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Kelce sat down for Chiefs media night and made his future intentions crystal clear.
Travis Kelce on His Future in the NFL
Kelce has been slowing down from a statistical standpoint over the last couple of seasons. Since 2016, the last two years have been his worst from a receiving perspective, as he’s tallied under 1,000 yards in both seasons, with just eight total touchdowns.
To put it in perspective, his 2022 campaign saw him total 1,338 receiving yards, along with 12 touchdowns. However, in the biggest moments, Kelce remains among the most dangerous playmakers on the planet.
Second only to Jerry Rice in postseason receiving yards and touchdowns, Kelce had arguably his best playoff run in 2023. He tallied 355 yards over four games and even added three touchdowns. This season as well, he was dominant in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans, having his best game of the season with 117 yards — including a season-high 49-yard catch-and-run — and a score.
And he believes he can continue that run for a few more years, at the very least. Speaking to the media, Kelce revealed his plan to continue his playing career late into his 30s. “Where will I be in three years? Oh man, I don’t know, hopefully still playing football.
“I love doing this, I love coming into work every day and I still feel like I still got a lot of good football left in me. … For the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”
#Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was asked about the future of his football career:
"Where will I be in 3 years? Hopefully still playing football…For the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football."#SuperBowlLIX | #ChiefsKingdom | @KSHB41 pic.twitter.com/31IIdB3NYy
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) February 4, 2025
However, he does understand that there is an expiration date to life as a footballer. “But we’ll see what happens. I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life and that’s always been the goal knowing that football only lasts for so long. You got to find a way to get into another career, into another profession. I’ve been doing that in my offseasons.”
Whether it is the incredible number of endorsements or his New Heights podcast alongside brother Jason Kelce, No. 87 has ample opportunities to explore. Of course, with his connections to Swift, a career in the mainstream media might not be out of the question as well.
Conversely, earlier in the week, it was his head coach, Andy Reid, who suggested a completely different path for him, one that would keep him around football. “Travis would be a heck of a football coach. He’s able to get up there, explain things, and teach these young guys exactly what he sees and feels. He’s got a good feel for the game.”
It remains to be seen which direction Kelce ultimately chooses to go in. But rest assured Chiefs fans and Swifties, “Karma is still the guy on the Chiefs.”