Wednesday, September 23, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Travis Kelce Shuts Down Retirement Talk: Eyes Records, Off-Field Success

 Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce is one of the most famous players in the league, but he wants to continue playing as long as possible.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

How long Travis Kelce will continue to play in the NFL is once again in the spotlight as the Chiefs prepare to face the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

Kelce, 35, is already the highest-earning tight end in league history, having made $93.94 million (all figures via Spotrac), but he’s still trailing Pro Football Hall of Famer and fellow former Chiefs star Tony Gonzalez in all three major statistical receiving categories.

At the Super Bowl Opening Night event on Monday, Kelce, whose stardom has risen astronomically since his relationship with Taylor Swift began in 2023, was asked what he thought he would be doing in three years. “I don’t know, hopefully still playing football,” he said. “I love doing this. I love coming into work every day, and I feel like I still got a lot of good football left in me. We’ll see what happens.”

Kelce will cross the $100 million career earnings mark should he play next season, with a $17.25 million salary coming his way. While he was the highest-paid tight end in the NFL this season, Kelce also cashed in off the field. 

Travis and his brother, Jason Kelce, sold their podcast, New Heights, to the Amazon-owned Wondery in a deal reported to be worth $100 million over three years. Kelce is also the host of Amazon’s game show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?

“I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life,” Kelce said Monday. “That’s always been the goal, knowing that football only lasts for so long. You’ve got to find a way to get into another career, another profession. I’ve been doing that in my offseasons. But for the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”

If chasing down on-field records is a goal for Kelce, Gonzalez leads his younger counterpart in receptions (1,325 to 1,004), yards (15,127 to 12,151), and touchdowns (111 to 77). Former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten also has more receptions (1,228) and yards (13,046) than Kelce.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Injuries to Dart, Daniels Have Giants and Commanders Reeling

Other injured NFL quarterbacks will be back sooner.
Oct 23, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels former quarterback Eli Manning speaks on what an honor it is to have his number 10 jersey retired at Mississippi during half time at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Eli Manning Isn’t Dwelling on Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Exit

Manning admitted he’s thankful for Kiffin’s time in Oxford.
First at FOS

NFL Has ‘Full Confidence’ Brazil Field Will Be Ready by Sunday

The Cowboys play the Ravens on Sunday in Rio.
Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs to score a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Amazon’s TNF Opener Averages 18.6 Million Viewers, Up 5%

The streamer had a strong beginning to its 2026 schedule.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/22/26 – Aikman Waits on ESPN, Paramount Clears Hurdle, Doc Rivers Returns to Booth

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.

Why Kerri Walsh Jennings Picked a Side in the Volleyball War

The Olympian co-owns the expansion team NorCal Rumble.
Kylian Mbappe On
September 18, 2026

Mbappé Leaves Nike for On As Brand Launches Soccer Division

Thierry Henry joins as the company’s new director of football.
September 21, 2026

Presidents Cup International Team Wants ‘Separation’ From PGA Tour

The U.S. leads the Presidents Cup 13-1-1 all-time.
Sponsored

How Ryan Smith Is Building the Future of Sports in Utah

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner talks from tech to team ownership.
Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Kevin Hart arrives on the red carpet before the 2026 ESPY Awards at Lincoln Center.
September 17, 2026

LeBron James and Kevin Hart Planning YouTube Golf Collab

Both celebrities recently launched golf content channels.
asset class
September 16, 2026

Ndamukong Suh Says He Almost Invested in the Seahawks

He also “looked at” the Portland Blazers and Thorns.
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up against the Seattle Seahawks prior to a game at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 14, 2026

Mahomes Comeback Kicks Off ESPN ‘MNF’ Coverage

The two-time NFL MVP is completing a remarkable injury recovery.
September 13, 2026

Myles Garrett’s Knee Surgery Adds to Rams’ Early Woes

He’ll miss at least four games on IR.