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Taylor Swift Influenced Travis Kelce's Decision to Not Retire
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- Taylor Swift Influenced Travis Kelce's Decision to Not Retire
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, star tight end Travis Kelce knows that he only has three games left in the 2025 season before he has to decide on his NFL future . Retirement will be an option for Kelce, 36, whose contract with Kansas City expires after the season.
The three-time Super Bowl champion leads the Chiefs in receptions (67), receiving yards (797) and touchdowns (five, tied) this year. However, it was not enough to prevent them from being eliminated from playoff contention last week for the first time since 2014.
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The organization is already bracing for significant change in the offseason, with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes out with a long-term knee injury and members of Andy Reid's coaching staff candidates for jobs elsewhere .
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans.Amy Kontras-Imagn Images
Kelce was in a similar situation less than a year ago when he contemplated his future after the Chiefs' 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in February.
A look at how he handled it previously indicates that his fiancee, Taylor Swift , will be involved in his upcoming decision, too.
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According to a source in a Page Six exclusive , Kelce and Swift "definitely discussed" his possible retirement "as a couple." In fact, the "Opalite" singer was a leading voice pushing for his return to the Chiefs.
"She didn't want Travis to retire," the source said. "She wanted him to go out on a high note."
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts on the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kelce had a potential out in his two-year, $34.25 million contract before the 2025 season began, but ultimately he followed his then-girlfriend's guidance and returned for his 13th NFL season.
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The lives of Kelce and the 14-time Grammy award winner have become more intertwined since February, so Swift is sure to have input on his future this offseason. The couple got engaged in August and are reportedly eyeing a wedding date after the NFL season .
Notably, Kelce popped the question the same day that Swift recorded a famous interview for his "New Heights" show. Swift's first long-form podcast appearance was a huge show of trust in their evolving, connected brand — she used the occasion to announce the release of her "The Life of a Showgirl" album.
Kelce has been asked several times in recent weeks if he has thought about his future, but the Chiefs star insists that his decision is on hold until the offseason.
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"I'd rather keep the focus on this team right now," he said on Friday .
Factors like organizational change, Mahomes' health and advice from his brother , Jason Kelce , may play a part in Kelce's final decision. But one person he is sure to lean on is Swift, and her advice is well-informed after watching her fiance make two Super Bowl runs.
"She is the most engulfed fan now," Kelce said of Swift before the season. "She knows what the injury reports look like. She understands what special situations are, third and short — all these things because she just naturally loves to hear about my job."
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The Chiefs-Titans game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday on CBS. Kansas City 's final two games are against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day and the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 4.
Related: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Addresses Possible Final Game With Patrick Mahomes
Related: Jason Kelce Makes Admission After Working with Travis Kelce's Future Wife Taylor Swift
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
