Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has made it clear the organisation is hoping Travis Kelce will suit up for another season.
Speaking on Good Morning Football on Tuesday, Hunt expressed confidence in his star tight end's abilities despite the retirement speculation swirling around the 36-year-old.
"There's no doubt in my mind that he can still play," Hunt declared.
The Chiefs chairman acknowledged the team is giving Kelce space to make his decision, noting he's got plenty on his plate this off-season.
Travis Kelce has yet to tell the Chiefs his decision on retirement
|REUTERS
"As an organisation we certainly hope he'll come back," Hunt added. "We are being respectful and giving him the time he needs to make a decision."
The veteran tight end's numbers took a dip during the 2025 campaign, finishing with 851 receiving yards and five touchdowns from 76 catches.
It marked his second-lowest yardage total since his rookie year, though he remained Patrick Mahomes' most reliable target with 108 balls thrown his way.
The individual stats tell only part of the story, mind you.
Kansas City endured a truly miserable season, posting a 6-11 record and failing to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has revealed his information on Travis Kelce's situation
|REUTERS
The campaign was further marred by Mahomes suffering a devastating ACL injury that ended his season prematurely.
Kelce himself has remained tight-lipped about his plans, though he did open up on the New Heights podcast earlier this month.
"There's a lot of love for the game that's still there, and I don't think I'll ever lose that," he told his brother Jason.
The three-time Super Bowl champion admitted the situation is tricky to navigate but hasn't ruled out another run.
"If my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat," he explained.
For now, he's taking time to simply be a "regular human" while his body recovers.
One thing's certain – Kelce won't be appearing at this year's Pro Bowl.
Patrick Mahomes faces a significant spell on the sidelines | GETTYThe 11-time Pro Bowler has withdrawn from the all-star game scheduled for San Francisco on 3 February, fuelling further speculation about his future.
Beyond football, the tight end has a rather significant personal milestone approaching – his wedding to pop superstar Taylor Swift, planned for later this year.
After 13 seasons in the NFL and three Super Bowl rings to his name, the decision ultimately rests with Kelce alone.
Travis Kelce is currently mulling over NFL retirement | GETTYA television career reportedly awaits him whenever he chooses to hang up his boots, but for now, the Chiefs and their fans can only wait and hope.