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Jason Kelce Makes Admission About Travis Kelce’s Retirement Decision
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- Jason Kelce Makes Admission About Travis Kelce’s Retirement Decision
Retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce understands what his little brother, Travis Kelce , is going through. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is in the final year of his contract and facing a decision on whether to retire after the 2025 NFL season.
After the Chiefs' 16-13 loss on Sunday to the Los Angeles Chargers officially eliminated them from playoff contention, Kelce knows he only has three games left this season. He also knows that his longtime friend and quarterback, Patrick Mahomes , who won three Super Bowl rings with Kelce, has a torn ACL. Mahomes could return around the start of next season, but it adds uncertainty to 2026.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) talks with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62), after Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown," host Scott Van Pelt cut to the chase with analyst Jason Kelce after the Chiefs' playoff elimination.
"I think everybody's probably curious about what your brother will do," Van Pelt said. "You went through the process, and I understand he will have a process to go through. Is there a sense of how he will approach that?"
Before offering his advice, the former Eagles lineman admitted how little he knew about his brother's big decision. "I'm curious too," Jason Kelce said.
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Jason Kelce retired in March 2024 after 13 seasons in Philadelphia, the same number Travis Kelce has played in Kansas City . His decision came at the end of a season that followed a loss (to the Chiefs) in the Super Bowl, which is the situation the Chiefs are in this year (after losing to the Eagles ). The parallels are striking.
From his experience, Jason Kelce's suggestion was to "step away from the game" and let the decision arrive naturally in the offseason. Given the emotions and disappointment of Kansas City's 2025 season, it would be wise to let those die down first, he said.
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The Chiefs star is also expected to tie the knot with his fiancee, Taylor Swift , some time after the season , which could affect his decision.
Based on his most recent comments, Travis Kelce is on the same wavelength as his brother, despite the elder Kelce's lingering curiosity about the decision.
"All of that will be after the season," Travis Kelce said last month about his timeline to decide on his NFL future. "I won't be thinking about it until then."
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He did not speak to the media after the Chargers game , so the first chance to hear his thoughts on where he is at with his retirement decision will likely come on his "New Heights" podcast with Jason Kelce, which drops on Wednesday.
Related: Cowboys' George Pickens Emerges as Potential Travis Kelce Replacement After Chiefs Loss
Related: Patrick Mahomes Makes Admission on Travis Kelce's NFL Future After Chiefs' Loss
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
