Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has yet to hit the field for the first time since deciding to return to the team on a new contract, but he’s already facing new retirement rumors.
Kelce signed a three-year deal that will bring him back for the 2026 season and the ability to take it year-by-year after that. He is expected to return to a significant role as quarterback Patrick Mahomes returns from a major injury and the team looks to get back into the playoffs.
The end could be coming soon, however, with Kelce’s personal trainer sharing a hint about his potential retirement plans.
Travis Kelce Getting Ready for Potential Final Season
Kelce has been working with Cris Carter — the former NFL star who now serves as the Florida Atlantic football team’s director of football development — in Florida. As SI.com noted, Carter shared a photo working out with Kelce along with trainers Andrew Spruill and Johnny Olsen, including a potentially telling message about the tight end’s future.
âAndrew and I started with Travis before his rookie year in the NFL,â Carter wrote. âKnow the ð is preparing for THE LAST DANCE. Next stop Canton/HOF.â
Kelce has not given any specific timeline about when he plans to retire, though he didn’t take long this offseason to make his decision to return.
Fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski shared some praise for Kelce, saying he was excited to see the Chiefs legend return to the field.
âTravis Kelce coming back, it just proves how great of a player that he is, how he takes care of his body,â Gronkowski said. âI have nothing but great respect for Travis Kelce. Itâs great for the game that heâs coming back. Iâm sure itâs great for K.C. as well. His leadership, his knowledge out there on the field. I see him all the time, good friends with him. Itâs going to be great to see him out on the field ⦠I admire his longevity. Itâs incredible what he is still doing at such a high level.â
Travis Kelce Has Big Incentives in 2026
Kelce will have plenty of motivation to return to the field this season, with the Chiefs looking to return to the playoffs after missing for the first time in more than a decade. He also has some personal accolades on the line, including the chance to move into No. 2 at his position.
Kelce heads into the season with 13,002 career receiving yards, just 45 behind Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Kelce could surpass that in Week 1, though would have quite a task to reach Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and his 15,127 career yards.
The Chiefs tight end also needs just 88 yards to enter the top-20 for receiving yards all time, another mark he could reach early.
Kelce will also play a major role on offense as the team faces question marks at wide receiver. Rashee Rice is entering the final year of his contract and could play his way out of Kansas City after facing legal troubles off the field.
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