Donna Kelce Supports Travis Kelce's NFL Retirement Decision

Chiefs CEO hopes Kelce returns, but Donna says it's his choice as wedding plans remain secret

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As rumors swirl about whether Travis Kelce will retire from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, his mother Donna Kelce is making it clear that the decision is entirely up to him. Donna told TMZ that she just wants her son to do what he feels comfortable with, while Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt expressed hope that Kelce will return for another season. Meanwhile, Donna remained tight-lipped about her son's upcoming wedding to Taylor Swift, saying 'they know I can keep a secret'.

Why it matters

Travis Kelce is a star tight end for the Chiefs and one of the most recognizable players in the NFL. His potential retirement would be a major loss for the team and the league, but Donna Kelce's comments suggest she is supportive of whatever choice her son makes. The wedding plans with Taylor Swift also continue to be a source of public fascination.

The details

Donna Kelce was asked by TMZ about her thoughts on her 36-year-old son potentially retiring after 13 seasons with the Chiefs. Rather than pushing him in one direction, she offered simple, motherly advice, saying 'I just want him to do what he feels comfortable doing.' She added, 'He's gotta talk to people in his life to decide what he wants to do.' Retirement rumors have followed Kelce for months, as the tight end signed a two-year extension in 2024 that runs through March 2026 but struggled with his performance and the team's failure to make the playoffs this past season.

  • Kelce signed a two-year extension in 2024 that runs through March 2026.
  • The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade during the 2025-2026 season.
  • Kelce and Taylor Swift got engaged on August 26, 2025.

The players

Donna Kelce

The 73-year-old mother of NFL star Travis Kelce, who is supportive of her son's decision about his NFL future.

Travis Kelce

The 36-year-old tight end who has played 13 seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs and is considering retirement.

Clark Hunt

The chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs, who hopes Kelce will return for another season.

Taylor Swift

The pop superstar who got engaged to Travis Kelce in August 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I just want him to do what he feels comfortable doing. He's gotta talk to people in his life to decide what he wants to do.”

— Donna Kelce, Travis Kelce's Mother (TMZ)

“Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back. He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us.”

— Clark Hunt, Chiefs CEO (NFL Network)

“They know I can keep a secret.”

— Donna Kelce (TMZ)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.