Feb 16, 2026, 1:30 AM CUT
Travis Kelce's Mother Shares Honest Thoughts Over His Retirement Speculations
Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Quarterback Season 1 American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League Travis Kelce and mother Donna Kelce arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Quarterback Season 1 held at the Netflix Tudum Theater on July 11, 2023 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Netflix Tudum Theater, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California California United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xImagexPressxAgencyx originalFilename: collin-losangel230711_npZof.jpg
Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Quarterback Season 1 American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League Travis Kelce and mother Donna Kelce arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Quarterback Season 1 held at the Netflix Tudum Theater on July 11, 2023 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Netflix Tudum Theater, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California California United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xImagexPressxAgencyx originalFilename: collin-losangel230711_npZof.jpg
The Chiefs Tight End, Travis Kelce, has often been caught up in the retirement rumours about whether he will return to the NFL or not. Now, his mother, Donna Kelce, has shared her thoughts on her son’s possible journey ahead.
On February 11, during a TMZ interview, she answered a question about Travis Kelce’s retirement.
"I just want him to do what he feels comfortable doing. He's gotta talk to people in his life to decide what he wants to do... So I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens!" said Donna Kelce.
After the 2025 season, the tight end reflected on his future away from the field. In his podcast New Heights on January 04, he said, "Every season ends for me, I just put my feet up, and I just be a human... maybe a month or so, just trying to figure out what I'm going to do next."
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 07: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce 87 before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on December 7, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 07 Texans at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2512070059
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 07: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce 87 before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on December 7, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 07 Texans at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2512070059
When asked if it was his last game, he replied: "Who knows? Either it hits me quick, or I gotta take some time".
However, Travis Kelce is perhaps the most important player for the Chiefs besides Mahomes. And that's exactly why making his next move is one of the most closely watched decisions in the league.
Why Kelce’s Retirement Decision Matters So Much
Travis Kelce has been a major part of the Chiefs for years. His bond with quarterback Patrick Mahomes is one of the reasons behind the team's success.
When a play breaks down, Mahomes often relies on Kelce because he knows the tight end can create space. Travis Kelce has the most postseason receptions in NFL history with 178, as well as the single-season yardage record by a tight end with receiving 1,415 yards.
The Chiefs want him back for the 2026 season as well. Insider Ian Rapaport explained that the team wants him back, but the Chiefs currently sit well over the projected limit.
Meanwhile, Kelce has expressed excitement after the team hired thier old offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy. "I can't wait to see him back in the building, man. He's one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time," said Travis Kelce.
Do you think the Chiefs' star tight end returns? Tell us in the comments.
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Written by
Shreya Mishra
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi