Travis Kelce got emotional in front of his Kansas City Chiefs teammates before the 2025 Super Bowl.
NFL reporter James Palmer appeared on the Wednesday, February 12, episode of Up & Adams With Kay Adams as questions arise about Kelce’s future in the league following the Chiefs’ disappointing performance in Super Bowl LIX.
Palmer revealed that he “contacted a couple people” within the Chiefs organization to assess the vibe in the locker room leading up to the big game on Sunday, February 9 — particularly when it comes to the speeches given by players and staff the night before.
“They were like, ‘Well, Travis cried, but he cried last year,’” Palmer said.
Travis Kelce Addresses Retirement Speculation After Super Bowl Loss
According to Palmer, the 35-year-old tight end “hasn’t said anything in either direction to anybody” on the staff regarding his potential retirement, but some in the know believe “this is it.”
Kelce and the Chiefs suffered a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday with a final score of 40-22. Kelce’s team had their sights set on a historic Super Bowl three-peat after previously beating the Eagles in 2023 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2024.
In a post-game interview, Kelce admitted that the Chiefs “couldn’t find that spark” on the field, noting, “We haven’t played that bad all year.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes gave his own somber take on the game — and weighed in on what might be next for Kelce’s career. “He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL and been such a joy not only for me to work with, but [for] people to watch,” he told reporters on Sunday.
Mahomes, 29, said Kelce “knows he’s got a lot of football left in him” but acknowledged that playing at the highest level is a challenge. “It’s a grind to go out there and play 20 games, whatever it is, and get to the Super Bowl,” he said.
Kelce, meanwhile, addressed the speculation on the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast.
“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year and right now I’m just kicking everything down the road … I’m not making any crazy decisions but right now the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and being there for my coaches, understanding that a lot that goes into this thing,” he said on Wednesday, noting that continuing to play in playoff games and Super Bowls adds “a lot of wear and tear on your body.”
When Will Travis Kelce Retire? What He’s Said About a Possible NFL Exit
Travis’ brother and cohost, Jason Kelce, said that it was important not to rush a big decision like this one. (Jason, 37, announced his retirement in 2024 after 13 seasons playing with the Eagles.)
“I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it’s gonna be something that it’s a wholehearted decision and I’m not half-assing it,” Travis continued. “I’m fully here for them and I think I could play, it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility.”
Ahead of the 2024-2025 season, Travis signed a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs worth $34.25 million. The deal made Travis the highest-paid tight end in the NFL and secured his place on the team through the end of the 2027 season.
“It’s an honor and pleasure and I can’t wait to get after it these next two years,” Travis said in a social media video at the time, declaring, “Chiefs forever.”
