C. A DYNASTY AT A CROSSROADS — AS TRAVIS KELCE OPENS UP ABOUT WHAT COMES AFTER FOOTBALL
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/travis-kelce-press-conference-090425-4427e147f6594115b452907c9de9cfeb.jpg)
The question of what comes next remains unanswered, but the moment has already begun to shift. Travis Kelce is still deciding whether the 2025–26 season will be his last in the NFL, even as signs of a broader transition are starting to appear away from the field.
Kelce’s most recent game with the Kansas City Chiefs ended in disappointment. A 14–12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders closed a season without a playoff berth, an ending far from the standard he helped define in Kansas City. Asked about retirement afterward, Kelce admitted the decision is not immediate. Some years bring instant clarity. Others require time and perspective.
While that reflection continues, Kelce has stayed active beyond football. On a mid-January episode of the New Heights podcast, he and his brother Jason Kelce revealed a new project. Their first book,
No Dumb Questions: And All of Our Dumbest Answers, draws directly from the podcast’s fan-favorite segment, turning listener submissions and candid responses into a published collection.
For the brothers, the announcement carried a sense of disbelief. What began as casual conversation evolved into a book that captures the humor and authenticity of their show. The project also gives fans a lasting connection to the podcast, including moments that never made it into recorded episodes.
Even as the Chiefs fell short on the field, Kelce continued to add to his legacy within the organization. He finished the season as the franchise’s highest-scoring non-kicker with 522 points and became the first player to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year Charity Challenge three times. That honor brought an additional donation to Operation Breakthrough, reinforcing his impact beyond football.
The production remained consistent despite the team’s struggles. Kelce closed the year with 76 receptions, 851 receiving yards, and five touchdowns across 17 games. Those numbers, combined with his leadership and community work, illustrate why his next decision carries significance for both the Chiefs and their fan base.
For now, there is no final announcement. No farewell. Just a period of consideration, balanced by new ventures and career milestones. Whether Kelce returns for another season or steps fully into life beyond the game, his influence in Kansas City is already firmly established.
