Travis Kelce is back with the Kansas City Chiefs for another season, and while the new season hasn’t even started yet, people are already wondering if this will be his final one in the NFL. Kelce is 35 years old and will turn 36 in October, so that’s getting up there in age for a player in the NFL.

But, Kelce isn’t just any NFL player. He’s one of the greatest tight ends of his generation, and if he feels that he has some unfulfilled business, then he’s certainly welcome to say with the Chiefs as long as he wants. Kelce has notably earned that right.

Now, Kelce is fielding some new questions about retirement, and he’s being open and honest about where he’s at with the idea. His answer may be unexpected to some who are watching his career path, too.

Kelce is the kind of guy who simply loves football and sports, in general, so when he does retire, it will certainly mark a change in his life. In an appearance on the “Bussin with the Boys” show on Tuesday, July 1, Kelce was asked about retirement and if he’s thinking about what’s ahead after this year yet.

Kelce was specifically asked if next season will mark his last in the NFL. He smartly didn’t quite answer the question but did say, “It’s the last one on the contract.”

Kelce added, “I’m focused on this one. I don’t know what next year is going to feel like. I don’t know what I’m going to feel like in March or April next year when I make that decision.”

The main takeaway from Kelce’s statement, and what may be a surprise, is that he isn’t giving up on the idea of coming back after the 2025-26 season. So, while many have thought this would likely be Kelce’s final run in the NFL, that may not be the case.

When Kelce does decide to step aside, it will mark a bittersweet day for the Kansas City Chiefs and NFL. He’s been such a big part of the franchise for so long, but it will be nice to see him move onto the next phase of his professional life.

Of course, there was no way Kelce was going to do a podcast appearance without talking about his girlfriend, Taylor Swift. He pushed back on the idea that the two of them are trying to get attention all of the time.

“It gets thrown out there as it’s like we’re trying to seek attention, every now and then,” he said. “But it’s like, we’re just enjoying life and having fun going to hockey games. Kind of introducing her to some more of the sports world that.” He added, “We’re having fun with it, man, being a couple.”

He added that the craziest and most difficult part of dating Swift is the paparazzi, who are always trying to get a shot of the couple. “Yeah, it’s just the being, I don’t want to say being, it’s just the paparazzi that’s probably the only thing I didn’t really grasp until you’re in it, and that’s probably the craziest part though,” he explained.