🚨 TRAVIS KELCE’S FUTURE IN LIMBO: Will the Chiefs star return for another season or retire? As questions about his career swirl, one thing is clear – Kelce’s life is set to change dramatically! 👇
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce are walking two very different paths this offseason as the Chiefs miss the Super Bowl for the first time in four years.
Mahomes, aggressively rehabbing a torn ACL from Week 15, faces an uncertain future on the field. Meanwhile, Kelce, after 13 seasons and three Super Bowl rings, is enjoying an offseason full of questions regarding his retirement.
Both athletes share a love for golf, though for different reasons. Mahomes, still focused on recovery, has put his golfing hobby on hold, while Kelce showcased his athletic prowess at the WM Phoenix Open on February 4, 2026, turning heads with an impressive performance.
Travis Kelce Dominates at the Phoenix Open

Kelce, known for his playmaking ability on the football field, proved his skills extend beyond the gridiron. On the 16th hole of the par-3 course, he hit an incredible shot, sticking it within a few feet of the pin and winning the coveted gold WM chain.
The Golf Channel shared a video of Kelce’s impressive tee shot with the caption: “Travis Kelce with an absolute dart on the 16th 🎯🔥. The 3x Super Bowl champ sticks it to within a few feet and wins the gold WM chain!”
Patrick Mahomes, most likely watching from home while continuing his recovery, couldn’t help but celebrate his teammate’s success, posting a simple yet emphatic message on X: “Let’s go!!!!! @tkelce 🎯🎯🎯.”
The Retirement Dilemma: What’s Next for Kelce?
While Travis Kelce continues to enjoy his offseason, his future in the NFL remains uncertain. Despite his ongoing success with the Chiefs, including three Super Bowl victories and countless records, Kelce has not provided a timeline for a decision on his retirement. With the new league year approaching in mid-March, many expect a decision sooner rather than later.
The Chiefs’ Financial Reality
The Chiefs, who posted a disappointing 6-11 record in 2025, are facing a massive salary cap deficit of $54.7 million. This deficit has placed the team in a difficult position as they prepare for a potentially transformative offseason. The Chiefs currently hold the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, along with No. 40, and will look to bolster the roster with young talent.
While Kelce’s return could give the Chiefs a competitive edge, it remains unclear how the team will balance the books while continuing to compete at a high level.
Could Kelce Be Lured Back By More Than Just Football?
One factor that might weigh heavily in Kelce’s retirement decision is his ability to generate income off the field. The Chiefs tight end has recently gained significant fame thanks to his highly successful podcast, “New Heights”, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce. With lucrative media opportunities awaiting him in the future, Kelce has the potential to make just as much, if not more, outside of football.
Additionally, Kelce’s personal life has undergone a high-profile change, as he prepares to marry global music superstar Taylor Swift. This development adds a new layer of complexity to his decision-making process. The prospect of a future outside the NFL, potentially in media or entertainment, could be a compelling reason for Kelce to retire early.
Mahomes, Kelce, and the Chiefs’ Championship Hopes
For the Chiefs, the future of Kelce is tied closely to their championship aspirations. Despite the financial struggles and last season’s miss from the playoffs, Mahomes and Kelce still represent the core of Kansas City’s offense. Both will be a year older in 2026, and Mahomes’ health will be a critical factor in determining the Chiefs’ ability to compete for another Super Bowl.
The Chiefs will likely rely on their high draft picks to build around these two stars, but it remains to be seen if Kelce will be part of the journey going forward.
What Lies Ahead for Travis Kelce?
As the NFL season heats up, all eyes will be on Travis Kelce and his retirement decision. Will he retire on top, having achieved everything a player could dream of? Or will he return for at least one more season, hoping to chase another Super Bowl ring with Mahomes by his side?
Whatever decision Kelce makes, the impact on the Kansas City Chiefs will be monumental. Stay tuned for updates as one of the NFL’s greatest tight ends contemplates the next chapter in his illustrious career.