Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has reportedly made a decision about his NFL future after months of speculation.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Kelce plans to return to the Chiefs for the 2026 season, marking his 14th year in the NFL. The decision comes after weeks of discussions about whether the veteran tight end would retire following the 2025 campaign.
Rapoport reported that Kelce intends to remain with Kansas City, while his rumored wedding date to Taylor Swift is rapidly approaching.
Travis Kelce Expected to Return to Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce’s decision follows conversations with the Chiefs organization after the 2025 season.
Rapoport previously reported on February 8 that Kansas City hoped Kelce would return and planned to speak with the veteran after the Super Bowl.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid later confirmed that communication had taken place between the team and the longtime star.
“As long as there’s communication, I’m good. That means people want to move forward,” Reid told reporters on February 20 ahead of the NFL combine. “I think that’s where Trav is. I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all and I try to give him some space here.”
The Future Hall of Fame TE’s Retirement Buzz Was Louder Than in Previous Years
Kelce, 36, is coming off one of his quieter statistical seasons in recent years. During the 2025 season, he recorded 76 receptions on 108 targets for 851 receiving yards.
Despite the lower numbers, Kelce still earned his 11th Pro Bowl selection.
The Chiefs, however, missed the postseason for the first time since 2014.
Late in the season, Kelce hinted that retirement was a possibility.
After Kansas City was eliminated from playoff contention in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers — a game that also saw quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffer a season-ending torn ACL — Kelce said he planned to give everything he had in the team’s remaining games.
“I’ll give the Chiefs everything I got,” Kelce said at the time, suggesting those games could potentially be the final ones of his career.
Kelce received a standing ovation from fans during Kansas City’s Week 17 loss to the Denver Broncos, which many believed might be his final appearance at Arrowhead Stadium.
Following the Chiefs’ season-ending loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18, Kelce said he would take time to evaluate his future.
Nearly two months later, the veteran tight end appears ready to return.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s Wedding Plans Continue
Kelce’s decision about his football career comes as plans continue for his upcoming wedding to singer Taylor Swift.
According to Page Six, the couple is expected to marry on June 13, 2026, at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Sources told the outlet that
Swift was determined to secure that specific date and reportedly compensated another couple who had already booked the venue.
Ocean House is a well-known luxury resort in New England and holds a AAA Five Diamond rating, the highest honor awarded by the American Automobile Association.
The resort has also achieved “triple Forbes Five-Star” status for the hotel itself, its Ocean & Harvest Spa, and its COAST fine dining restaurant.
The venue is known for its oceanfront views and high-end amenities, making it a popular location for upscale events.
The outlet also reports that the wedding could feature a star-studded guest list. Singer Selena Gomez and model Gigi Hadid are reportedly expected to serve as bridesmaids.
