Feb 13, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce acknowledges the crowd on the 10th hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Reports: TE Travis Kelce to stay in KC, play in 2026

Travis Kelce has decided to play a 14th NFL season in 2026 and reportedly informed other potential suitors he’s returning to the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to multiple reports, Kelce is not open to playing for other teams contrary to reports circulated on Sunday. NFL Network reported that Kelce is expected to pass on what would have been more money elsewhere to return to Kansas City on what is likely to be a new one-year deal, per Sports Illustrated.

He has been selected to 11 Pro Bowls and is a four-time All-Pro with Kansas City. The Chiefs drafted him in the third round in 2013.

Kelce was weighing whether to return for another season after debating retirement the past two offseasons. He is an unrestricted free agent, but has no plans to leave Kansas City, according to the reports.

“We’ve kind of prepared for either scenario,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 24. “We’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”

Veach said he would be meeting with Kelce’s representatives following the combine and “you need some sort of timeline and deadline,” but called conversations with his camp “positive.”

Head coach Andy Reid said he routinely is in touch with Kelce, 36, who is coming off a relatively down year in a Hall of Fame career.

He had 851 yards and five touchdowns last season, but 76 receptions was Kelce’s lowest total since he had 72 in 2015.

“Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back,” Veach said in the February interview. “We’ll just kind of let that process play out. It’s not your typical 27-year-old first-time-in-free agency.

“Travis has done everything. He’s accomplished everything. He’s about to get married, got a lot going on. We’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends.”

Prior to the 2025 season, Kelce admitted that he contemplated retirement. He also said his life has changed in some ways since he began dating the biggest pop star on the planet in Taylor Swift, to whom he is engaged.

Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions (1,080), receiving yards (13,002) and touchdown receptions (82).

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Report: TE Travis Kelce wants to keep playing, perhaps not for Chiefs

Star tight end Travis Kelce wants to continue his NFL career after 13 years with the Kansas City Chiefs and could be open to playing for another team, The Athletic reported on Sunday.

Kelce, who will be 37 in October, has been selected to 11 Pro Bowls and is a four-time first-team All-Pro with Kansas City, which drafted him in the third round in 2013.

He has been weighing whether to return for this 14th season in the league and has debated retirement for the past two offseasons. One new layer this offseason is Kelce is set to become an unrestricted free agent after finishing his two-year, $34.25 million extension this past season.

The Athletic reported that Kelce’s representatives are expected to talk with multiple teams.

Kansas City, while financially strapped by salary-cap issues, has been diplomatic in a wait-and-see approach with Kelce regarding retirement or another season.

“We’ve kind of prepared for either scenario,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 24. “We’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”

Veach said he would be meeting with Kelce’s representatives following the combine and “you need some sort of timeline and deadline,” but called conversations with his camp “positive.”

Head coach Andy Reid said he routinely is in touch with Kelce, who is coming off a relatively down year in a Hall of Fame career.

He had 851 yards and five touchdowns last season, but 76 receptions was Kelce’s lowest total since he had 72 in 2015. No. 2 tight end Noah Gray also is an unrestricted free agent.

“Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back,” Veach said in the February interview. “We’ll just kind of let that process play out. It’s not your typical 27-year-old first-time-in-free agency.

“Travis has done everything. He’s accomplished everything. He’s about to get married, got a lot going on. We’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends.”

Prior to the 2025 season, Kelce admitted that he contemplated retirement. He also said his life has changed in some ways since he began dating the biggest pop star on the planet in Taylor Swift, to whom he is engaged.

Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions (1,080), receiving yards (13,002) and touchdown receptions (82).

–Field Level Media

Super Bowl 57: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passes the the Lombardi Trophy to Travis Kelce after winning the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on Feb 12, 2023.

Report: Travis Kelce, Chiefs to discuss future after Super Bowl

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs plan to discuss the star tight end’s playing future following Super Bowl LX, NFL Network reported on Sunday.

Kelce, 36, is set to become a free agent next month after finishing his two-year, $34.25 million extension this past season.

The Chiefs reportedly would like to welcome back Kelce with open arms, however the team is in excess of $55 million over the projected cap of more than $300 million.

Kelce has kept his cards close to the vest about his future, however he openly celebrated the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on a recent “New Heights” podcast.

“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce said. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy.”

The Chiefs’ lackluster 6-11 season ended with a whimper, leading some to wonder if the four-time All-Pro wanted to end his career on that note.

Prior to the season, Kelce admitted that he contemplated retirement. He also said his life has changed in some ways since he began dating the biggest pop star on the planet in Taylor Swift, to whom he is engaged.

Last season, Kelce joined Hall of Fame member Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with at least 12 consecutive seasons producing at least 800 receiving yards.

Kelce led the team in receptions (76), yards (851) and receiving touchdowns (five, tied with Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown).

The three-time Super Bowl champion and 11-time Pro Bowl selection is the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions (1,080), receiving yards (13,002) and touchdown receptions (82).

–Field Level Media

Travis Kelce gauging how body feels before deciding future

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce sounded like a man who has more in the tank in respect to his football career during Wednesday’s episode of his “New Heights” podcast.

“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already, having the exit meetings and everything, and they know where I stand at least right now,” Kelce told his brother, Jason. “I think there’s a lotta love for the game that’s still there and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that.

“It’s a tough thing to navigate, but at the same time, if my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18-, 20-, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. Right now it’s just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels … and kinda when it all settles down.”

When Jason attempted to get the real skinny on his brother’s future plans in football, Travis said the decision wasn’t finalized yet.

The Chiefs’ lackluster 6-11 season ended with a whimper, leading some to wonder if the four-time All-Pro wanted to end his career on that note.

“Every season ends for me, I put my feet up, and I just be a human because I’ve been putting my body through the wringer for the love of it,” Travis Kelce said. “I do enjoy playing football and the physical aspect of it, I think there’s something about feeling the wear and tear of the football season to just f—- getting ready for a game knowing that your body is f—- beat down man.

“… But yeah, I think just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and trying to figure out what I’m doing to do next in terms of my future in football.”

Prior to the season, Travis Kelce admitted that he contemplated retirement. He also said his life has changed in some ways since he began dating the biggest pop star on the planet in Taylor Swift, to whom he is now engaged.

Kelce, 36, last month joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with at least 12 consecutive seasons producing at least 800 receiving yards.

Kelce led the team in receptions (76), yards (851) and touchdowns (five, tied with Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown).

The three-time Super Bowl champion and 11-time Pro Bowl selection is the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions (1,080), receiving yards (13,002) and touchdown receptions (82).

–Field Level Media

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce takes (final?) bow at Arrowhead

Travis Kelce paused to take in what might have been his final introduction at Arrowhead Stadium before Thursday’s game and the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end admits emotions are heavy these days.

“You know it’s — you only get a few of those where you just get to stand there and appreciate 60-70,000 Chiefs fans screaming for you. I always embrace that moment, man,” Kelce said Thursday night. “It’s fun. Hopefully I got everybody fired up for it.”

Kelce joined Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with at least 12 consecutive seasons producing at least 800 receiving yards this month, but hasn’t publicly confirmed speculation his next step is retirement.

“It’s a Christmas game, baby! There’s a whole lot of emotion, man. Have everybody in the world watching you,” Kelce said.

A four-time All-Pro who went to five Super Bowls with the Chiefs, the 36-year-old Kelce is not certain about next year.

His future has been a topic of debate and rumors the past two years. It was late February 2025 when Chiefs general manager Brett Veach put to rest questions about Kelce retiring before the draft. Kelce spent the offseason working to make certain he could be a productive part of the offense this season, and he leads the team in receptions (73), yards (839) and touchdowns (five, tied with Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown) with one game to play.

Continuing to produce might keep retirement from crossing Kelce’s mind, especially since he didn’t win the nearly $2 million Powerball lottery last week.

“The only time it every crossed my mind, as I was driving in the other day and I saw how much the Powerball was and I was like, ‘Man, if I could just win that. I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life,’” Kelce joked. “Honestly, I’ve been just focused on trying to win football games. I’ll let that be a decision that I make with my family, friends (and) the Chiefs organization when the time comes.”

Kelce was the final player introduced on Christmas night in a signal the team might already know it was his last time on that field.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid is rooting for Kelce to pull down seven more receptions — he caught five passes for 36 yards in Thursday’s 20-13 loss to Denver — in the regular-season finale at Las Vegas on Jan. 4. That would put Kelce at 80 catches, a mark he cleared in each of the past nine seasons.

“It was great to see him get a couple of those catches (Thursday). Those are big, big catches,” Reid said, shaking off any talk of Kelce’s retirement. “We’ll talk another time about all of that.”

Kelce is the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions (1,077), receiving yards (12,990) and touchdown receptions (82).

–Field Level Media

Travis Kelce, Trent Williams hit milestones as Pro Bowl rosters set

Rosters for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games are set with the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens leading the league with six selections apiece.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams hit landmarks at their positions and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was voted in for the second time in as many seasons. Selections were determined by a consensus of voting from fans, players and coaches — each group counting one-third of the vote — with voting completed on Dec. 19.

The Pro Bowl Games, a series of competitions including a flag football game, will be played Feb. 3 during the week-long lead-in to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Pro Football Hall of Famers and 49ers legends Jerry Rice (NFC) and Steve Young (AFC) are coaching the teams with all events taking place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center South Building.

Twenty-nine teams had at least one player selected to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games roster and 22 clubs had multiple players chosen as All-Stars. The Ravens, Broncos, 49ers and Seahawks each had six selections on the original roster, tied for the most among teams, while the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles each had five selections.

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills (fourth selection), Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers (second selection) and Maye (second selection) represent the AFC quarterbacks. The NFC quarterbacks are Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks (second selection), Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys (fourth selection) and Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams (fourth selection).

Hometown offensive tackle Williams of the 49ers was selected to his 12th Pro Bowl, the fourth player in league history to be picked one dozen times. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famers Bruce Matthews (14), Randall McDaniel (12) and Will Shields (12). Another 49ers’ offensive player, Kyle Juszczyk was selected to a position-record 10th Pro Bowl.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was voted the AFC starter at tight end. His backup is Kelce of the Chiefs, selected for Pro Bowl No. 11, tying Jason Witten (Cowboys) for the second-most Pro Bowl selections at the position. Only former Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (14) has more.

Colts guard Quenton Nelson is the second offensive lineman to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight career seasons since 1970, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas (first 10 seasons).

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is the third wide receiver to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons, joining Tyreek Hill (first eight seasons) and A.J. Green (first seven).

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Micah Parsons is the first defensive player to be named to the Pro Bowl in the first five seasons of his career since Aaron Donald of the Rams was chosen each of his first 10 seasons (2014-23).

–PRO BOWL GAMES ROSTERS
* — Denotes starter
NFC
Quarterback:
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams*
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Running back:
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions*
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Fullback:
Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ers*

Wide receiver:
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams*
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks*
George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

Tight end:
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals*
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

Offensive tackle:
Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions*
Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Offensive guard:
Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys*
Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears*
Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons

Center:
Drew Dalman, Chicago Bears*
Cam Jurgens, Philadelphia Eagles

DEFENSE
Defensive end:
Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions*
Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers*
Demarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks

Defensive tackle:
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles*
Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks*
Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys

Outside linebacker:
Brian Burns, New York Giants*
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams*
Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams

Inside/middle linebacker:
Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions*
Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles

Cornerback:
Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers*
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks*
Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles

Free safety:
Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears*
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Strong safety:
Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals*

Special teams
Long snapper:
Jon Weeks, San Francisco 49ers*

Punter:
Tress Way, Washington Commanders*

Placekicker:
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys*

Return specialist:
Rashid Shaheed, Seattle Seahawks*

Special teamer:
Luke Gifford, San Francisco 49ers*

–AFC
Quarterback:
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills*
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Running back:
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts*
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
James Cook, Buffalo Bills

Fullback:
Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens*

Wide receiver:
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals*
Nico Collins, Houston Texans*
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos

Tight end:
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders*
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive tackle:
Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos*
Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills*
Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers

Offensive guard:
Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos*
Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts*
Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Center:
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs*
Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens

DEFENSE
Defensive end:
Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans*
Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns*
Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

Defensive tackle:
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs*
Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans*
Zach Allen, Denver Broncos

Outside linebacker:
Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos*
T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers*
Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers

Inside/middle linebacker:
Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens*
Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans

Cornerback:
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans*
Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos*
Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns

Free safety:
Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh Steelers*

Strong safety:
Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens*
Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Special teams
Long snapper:
Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville Jaguars*

Punter:
Jordan Stout, Baltimore Ravens*

Placekicker:
Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers*

Return specialist:
Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans*

Special teamer:
Ben Skowronek, Pittsburgh Steelers*

–Field Level Media

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce tops Pro Bowl fan voting

Travis Kelce received the most fan votes for the Pro Bowl Games for a second consecutive season, the NFL announced Monday.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end appeared on 420,383 fan ballots for the 2026 all-star showcase, which will be staged at San Francisco’s Moscone Center on Tuesday, Feb. 3 in the buildup to Super Bowl LX.

Trailing Kelce in the fan voting was the quarterbacking trio of Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills, 263,127 votes), Drake Maye (New England Patriots, 259,978 votes) and Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears, 216,838 votes).

Chicago safety Kevin Byard ranked fifth and paced all defenders with 203,638 votes.

The NFC North-leading Bears earned the most votes as a team, followed by the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Chiefs and Detroit Lions.

The Pro Bowl rosters will be revealed Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET. Votes from fans, players and coaches hold equal weight in the selection process.

San Francisco 49ers legends Steve Young and Jerry Rice will coach the AFC and NFC, respectively, in the Pro Bowl’s flagship event, a noncontact flag football game.

Kelce led all players with a comparatively modest 252,200 fan votes when he secured his 10th Pro Bowl nod in 2024. With one more selection, he would tie 49ers offensive lineman Trent Williams for the career lead among active players.

Allen, the reigning NFL MVP, is a three-time Pro Bowler. His decision to opt out of the 2025 Pro Bowl following a playoff defeat to Kansas City enabled Maye to be honored for the first time.

–Field Level Media

Travis Kelce in disbelief over Chiefs losing Patrick Mahomes

Suspended in disbelief, Travis Kelce said he expected Patrick Mahomes to shake off his injury and rally the Kansas City Chiefs to a win last Sunday.

But as reality began to sink in and Mahomes limped to the locker room, the bigger picture is potentially even more devastating to the longtime teammates.

“And on a freakish play to see 15 go down like that, man, it f——, it was almost like it wasn’t real,” Kelce said on the “New Heights” podcast released Wednesday.

“And s— just sucks, man. He’s a warrior, man. I’m telling you. This guy’s played through everything, battled through everything, has been crowned champion because he’s battled through everything, and he’s gonna battle through this. It’s the only way this guy is wired, man. He’s a fearless, fearless warrior when it comes to this football thing, and he’s gonna make sure that he comes back stronger than ever.”

Whether Kelce, 36, returns to the Chiefs next season unlikely is to be officially determined until the offseason, he said. But retirement squarely was in the picture as an option weighed the past two offseasons, albeit briefly.

Should Kelce step away, Sunday’s loss to the Chargers and the image of Mahomes limping away from the Arrowhead Stadium playing field is blazed into the minds of the tight end and Chiefs fans.

Kansas City (6-8) might be without Mahomes to start next season either way. Typical recovery from reconstructive lateral collateral and anterior cruciate ligament surgery is 10-12 months.

“Obviously, we lost our quarterback, man. Patty Mahomes, our guy, our brother, our fearless leader, our face of the franchise, and, to an ACL,” Kelce said on the podcast. “It’s never easy seeing your guys go down. We had a bunch of guys get hurt this past game, and we fought, man. We fought.”

The Chiefs went for a Super Bowl three-peat last February, but the questions at that time of the year in 2026 will all be pointed to which pieces are still around for the future.

Kelce’s place in team and NFL history is secured. He broke Priest Holmes’ all-time franchise touchdown record in November and Mahomes-to-Kelce already is the record-holder for postseason touchdowns by a quarterback and receiver. He’s currently fifth all-time in the NFL for touchdowns by a tight end with 85, four behind Jimmy Graham (89) for fourth place.

Kelce was targeted consistently by Gardner Minshew II when he entered for the fallen Mahomes last week. He totaled seven receptions for 70 yards.

With three games remaining, Kelce has 798 receiving yards, and would clear 1,000 for the eighth time in his career by averaging 67.3 yards the next three weeks.

–Field Level Media

Report: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift to wed on June 13

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift reportedly are having a June wedding.

The New York Post’s Page Six reported earlier this week that they will tie the knot on June 13 in Watch Hill, R.I.

Swift reportedly “cut a hefty check” to another bride-to-be to secure the date at the Ocean House venue.

Kelce, 36, and Swift, 35, announced their engagement in August. They have been dating since 2023.

–Field Level Media

Retirement era? Chiefs TE Travis Kelce not talking ’26

Contractually speaking, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is tied to Kansas City for only seven more games.

The 36-year-old kept the door ajar to a possible 14th NFL season in 2026, and based on his production — 50 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns — Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid appear unlikely to lock it when the 2025 season ends.

But Kelce knows the painstaking process took a lot of out his older brother, Jason, who retired from the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2024 season.

With that in mind, Travis Kelce said Friday that he has every intention of telling the Chiefs his plans before free agency begins in March.

“I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not — or whether they want me back or not. I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately,” he said.

“All that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then.”

Kelce turned 36 in October and was determined to give Kansas City another productive season after falling short of his own standard in 2024.

Entering Sunday’s game against the Colts, Kelce leads the Chiefs in catches, yards and TD catches. He scored his 84th career touchdown during last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos to break Priest Holmes’ franchise mark.

“He’s done a heck of a job,” Reid said. “He worked like crazy in the offseason to get himself in tip-top shape, which you have to do when you start reaching an older age. You’ve got to work a little bit extra, and he did that. It’s paying off for him.”

–Field Level Media