Chiefs' Travis Kelce Reflects on What He'll Miss Most in NFL Retirement

The All-Pro tight end opens up about the thrill of big games and the camaraderie of the locker room.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:34pm

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Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has discussed what he'll miss most about playing in the NFL once he retires. In a podcast episode with his brother Jason, Kelce highlighted the feeling of rising to the occasion in high-stakes games and the special bond of the locker room as things he'll cherish. Kelce, 36, has not yet announced if he'll return for a 14th season, but he's expressed his continued love for the game.

Why it matters

Kelce is one of the most dominant players of his era, so his eventual retirement will be a significant moment for the NFL and Chiefs fans. His reflections provide insight into the mindset of an elite athlete nearing the end of his career and the aspects of the game that make it so special, beyond just the competition.

The details

In the podcast episode, Kelce said he'll miss "those moments in the big games" and "the feeling of having to rise to the occasion" in front of 70,000 fans. He added that the "satisfaction" of seeing hard work pay off in playoff runs is something he'll cherish. Kelce's brother Jason, who retired in 2024, said he misses the camaraderie of the locker room the most, describing it as a unique environment with "guys from all over the country coming together for a specific task."

  • Kelce has played for the Chiefs since 2013, when he was 23 years old.
  • Jason Kelce retired from the NFL in 2024 at the age of 38.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end who has played for the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013 and is considered one of the best players of his era.

Jason Kelce

Travis Kelce's older brother, who retired from the NFL in 2024 at the age of 38 after a successful career as an offensive lineman.

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What they’re saying

“Man, I think it's just those moments in the big games, the feeling of having to rise to the occasion, be there for 70,000 [fans] that are all counting on you out there, outside of the guys you go to war with, the guys you go to battle with.”

— Travis Kelce (New Heights podcast)

“Especially if you're fortunate enough to be in the playoffs and make runs at it — the satisfaction that you get and the successful feeling you get of all the hard work that you put in, it's finally paying off. I think that'll be one of the things I miss the most, for sure.”

— Travis Kelce (New Heights podcast)

“I knew I was gonna miss competing and playing and game day. What I didn't know I was gonna miss was the locker room. Everybody tells you [that] you're gonna miss it, but it's hard to be removed [enough] from it to understand that there ain't anything else that replicates this.”

— Jason Kelce (New Heights podcast)

What’s next

Kelce has not yet announced whether he plans to return for a 14th NFL season. In December 2025, he said he was "searching for those answers" about his future.

The takeaway

Kelce's reflections on the thrill of big games and the unique camaraderie of the locker room provide a glimpse into the mindset of an elite athlete nearing retirement. His eventual departure will be a significant moment for the Chiefs and the NFL, as he is one of the most dominant players of his era.