Travis Kelce admits he thinks about retiring 'more than anyone could ever imagine'

Travis Kelce got extremely candid during an interview with the Wall Street Journal, as he’s recognizing he may not have many years left in the NFL.

Speaking with J.R. Moehringer of the Wall Street Journal, the Kansas City Chiefs star revealed he thinks about stepping away from the game for good more often than people think.

“More than anyone could ever imagine,” said Kelce, asked how much he truly ponders retirement throughout a season.

That’s one of the first times Kelce has really been open about the idea. Continuing, the legendary tight end added that the injuries he’s suffered, that he feels every waking moment, make him think of changing course in his life.

“That’s the only thing I’ve never really been open about,” Kelce added, regarding his injuries. “The discomfort. The pain. The lingering injuries—the 10 surgeries I’ve had that I still feel every single surgery to this day.”

Of course, Super Bowl rings help numb the pain a bit. But we’ve seen even the toughest tight ends take an early exit from the NFL. Rob Gronkowski is the shining example, even if he came back for a season.

Nevertheless, Kelce remains one of the best players in the entire NFL, and the best tight end by a wide margin. Heck, he’d be among the best wide receivers if you grouped them all together too.

In 2023 alone, Kelce has amassed 64 receptions for 641 yards and five touchdowns. The Chiefs offense hasn’t been as potent as they’ve been in the past, but perhaps they’ll turn it on when they hit the stretch run.

Additionally, Kelce’s romance off the field with world renowned sensation Taylor Swift could be putting his career into perspective, as well. Kelce will want to be able to live life to the fullest no matter where it takes him, and with injuries piling up, nobody would blame him for walking away after all the success he’s had.

Moving forward, he’s still Patrick Mahomes‘ favorite target, and the Chiefs will still be favored over just about anyone when it comes time to chase the Lombardi Trophy. In the playoffs, it seems Kelce and his quarterback are at their best, and they’re a nightmare for opposing teams.

If nothing else, perhaps we should appreciate Travis Kelce while he still plays. It might not be too much longer before he hangs up his cleats for good, and we watch one of the best to ever do it walk into the sunset.