Emotional Travis Kelce Reportedly Breaks Down in Locker Room, Tells Teammates He’s Retiring After Heartbreaking Super Bowl Loss to Eagles—Struggles to Hold Back Tears in Front of Taylor Swift: “I’m Sorry for Letting You All Down”

Is Travis Kelce Ready to Retire? A Look at His Journey and Recent Hints

Is Travis Kelce preparing to hang up his cleats for good?

The Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end has long hinted at the possibility of retirement, and after the Chiefs’ devastating 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 2025, speculation is at an all-time high.

Kelce, who was drafted in 2013, has had an incredible career, but as he faces the realities of injuries and aging, fans are wondering if this was his last game. Here’s what he’s said over the years about leaving the sport.

April 2023: No Thoughts of Retirement Yet

At the time, Kelce made it clear he wasn’t considering retirement.

“I absolutely love what I’m doing. I love doing it here in Kansas City,” he told Bleacher Report. “I don’t even want to think about putting a time limit on this. My body still feels good, and I still feel like I can help the Chiefs win.”

June 2023: He Knows He’ll Miss Football

During the Chiefs’ minicamp, Kelce reiterated his passion for the game.

“I love this game. I know I’m going to miss it when I’m done playing,” he said. “I don’t want to lose that excitement I had for football as a kid.”

November 2023: Injuries Start Weighing on Him

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Kelce admitted that injuries had made him consider retirement more than he had let on.

“That’s the only thing I’ve never really been open about—the discomfort, the pain, the lingering injuries. The 10 surgeries I’ve had? I still feel every single one of them.”

January 2024: No Reason to Stop Playing

Despite acknowledging the toll on his body, Kelce was still focused on his career.

“I have no reason to stop playing football,” he told reporters before Super Bowl 2024. “I’ve been enjoying opportunities outside of sports, like getting on camera, but that’s still far down the road.”

June 2024: No Timeframe for Retirement

By mid-2024, Kelce said he wasn’t planning on leaving the game anytime soon.

“I’m going to do this until the wheels fall off,” he stated. “I know I’m closer to the end than the beginning, but I just have to make sure I’m set up for life after football.”

December 2024: Hinting at a Final Season

Kelce raised eyebrows when he referred to his game against the Cleveland Browns as his “last” in his hometown.

“I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll ever play in Cleveland, but it kinda felt like one last hurrah,” he said on his New Heights podcast.

January 2025: Taylor Swift’s Influence

Kelce revealed that Taylor Swift had been encouraging him to continue playing.

“She’s fully supportive and loves coming to games,” he shared on The Stephen A. Smith Show.

January 2025: Patrick Mahomes Weighs In

Ahead of the AFC Championship, teammate Patrick Mahomes was asked whether Kelce was considering retirement.

“I have no idea. He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that,” Mahomes told 96.5 The Fan

Mahomes added, “He signed a $34.25 million extension before the season, so it seems like he still loves football. But he also has a great life outside of it.”

February 2025: Super Bowl Press Conference

Days before Super Bowl 2025, Kelce was asked where he sees himself in three years.

“Hopefully still playing football,” he responded. “I feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me. But I’ve also been setting myself up for life after football, knowing this career doesn’t last forever.”

What’s Next for Travis Kelce?

With the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss and emotions running high, could this be the moment Kelce finally decides to walk away? Fans will be watching closely for an official decision in the coming weeks.