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How Jason Kelce's 2023 Retirement Could Tie In to Travis Kelce's Decision
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- How Jason Kelce's 2023 Retirement Could Tie In to Travis Kelce's Decision
Jason Kelce was one of the millions of NFL fans who were tuned in for what very well could have been Travis Kelce 's final game for the Kansas City Chiefs . Unfortunately for the four-time All-Pro tight end, the Chiefs suffered a disappointing 14-12 loss in their season finale, marking their sixth consecutive loss to close out the campaign.
Travis Kelce , who's on the last year of his current contract, did not have much of an impact in his team's final game of the season, finishing with just three catches for 12 yards. It was far from enough to lift Kansas City to victory, as it dropped to 6-11 in what has been a forgettable 2025 campaign.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce , widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history, has been very supportive of his younger brother's career over the years. Over the past several months, the Philadelphia Eagles icon has stood by Travis Kelce's side as the Chiefs star navigates through a pivotal crossroads in his career.
Jason Kelce has provided his younger brother with some sound advice ahead of Travis Kelce's looming retirement decision.
"In my opinion, to nail that decision, you gotta step away from the game for a little bit," Jason Kelce said in December, via NFL.com . "Play these last three games, enjoy 'em with your teammates, enjoy 'em with your coaches. The team is going to be different whether or not you come back next year. Then play these three games and then let it sink in. It'll come to you with time.
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"There are so many emotions with this game right after a season, especially with the way this one's been. ... And right now, it's just too fresh. You gotta step away from it, you gotta think about it, and then it'll come to you."
What's interesting to note, however, is that Jason Kelce's retirement decision could tie in significantly to his brother's retirement plan. In 2023, Jason Kelce announced his decision to retire, which came after his 13th season in the NFL. Jason Kelce was 36 when he retired.
Incidentally, Travis Kelce is now 36, and his 13th season with the Chiefs has just come to an end. If the decorated TE follows his older brother's timeline, then this would have been his final year in the NFL.
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It is also worth noting that Jason Kelce announced his retirement on March 4, 2023. This was a little less than two months after he played his final NFL game — a 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card playoff round.
As for Travis Kelce, the Chiefs star said after Sunday's loss to the Raiders that he will address his retirement decision at the right time. He did not provide a timeline, but Kelce is expected to make his announcement soon enough.
Last year, Kelce seriously considered retirement after his 12th NFL season. He announced his decision to return for one more season on Feb. 27, via a social media post from his "New Heights" podcast. The announcement came two weeks after the Chiefs' Super Bowl loss to the Eagles .
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Related: Travis Kelce's NFL Career Stats May Now Be Final After Chiefs-Raiders
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
