For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, a Kansas City Chiefs season is defined not by a Super Bowl push, but by the potential end of a dynasty. After the 20-10 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans, the Chiefs have dropped to 6-7, and Travis Kelce’s future has never looked more uncertain than it does now.

The question of retirement took an interesting turn with the comments of Hall of Famer Cris Carter, who spoke on the Fully Loaded podcast, addressing the question on every fan’s mind: Is Travis Kelce going to retire this year?

Carter did not dance around it. “Yeah,” he said. ” I think it’s also not only how he’s moving, but just where his life is, like where his media career is, where the other opportunities are. Like, sometimes in this world, you do get an exit door that’s advantageous. It’s not, you just being kicked out of the NFL or kicked out of the profession. Like you got an exit door that’s a high-level exit, and you should take it.”

Carter’s comments are a candid acknowledgment that the next chapter in Kelce’s life is broadcasting, entertainment, and broader media, which might now be as appealing as football itself.

This brings us to Carter’s point, which serves to illuminate just how unique Kelce’s position is. Whereas most players retire because of flagging production or a lack of opportunity, he has the chance to exit stage left while still being productive and relevant, in demand outside the sport.

His star power has exploded off the field, creating a rare soft landing that few NFL legends have ever been offered. And as Kansas City faces its most turbulent season in a decade, that exit door has never looked more accessible.

The future Hall of Famer has accounted for 1,064 catches for 12,878 yards and 82 touchdowns, made 10 Pro Bowls, earned four First-Team All-Pro honors, and captured three Super Bowls.

Even in what has been a difficult 2025 season, he has remained productive with 60 receptions for 727 yards and five scores through 13 games. Early this November, Kelce stated he wants to make a retirement decision after the season ends.

That was in reference to the considerate timing his brother Jason used when he retired back in March 2024. He wants to give Kansas City the same courtesy.

However, as time passes, Kelce’s exit is inevitable, and their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, isn’t sugarcoating the reality.

Mahomes prepares for Travis Kelce’s exit

After the defeat at Houston, the usually even-keeled quarterback was speaking with unusual passion about the possibility that he may be at the end of his run with Kelce.

“Every season I’ve had with him these last few years, I try to cherish because you never know [if this will be Kelce’s last season],” Mahomes said.

The defeat dropped Kansas City to 6–7, giving them just a 12–15 percent chance of reaching the postseason depending on the projection. For the first time in their dominant era, the Chiefs no longer control their fate. Mahomes talked glowingly about Kelce coming into the year in elite shape and playing top-shelf football despite myriad other injuries and inconsistencies around him on offense.

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“He’ll have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season,” Mahomes said. “But I know one thing: He’ll give everything he has for the rest of this season to try to give us a chance to make a playoff run. We know the chances are getting lower and lower.”

That chance materializing would require the Chiefs to win out, with the Chargers and Colts faltering. Yet to Mahomes, the idea of losing Kelce is deeper than some statistic or scheme; it’s the end of an era.

Since teaming up in 2017, the pair has guided Kansas City to three Super Bowls, seven conference title appearances, and one of the most dominant stints in NFL lore.

“You’re just getting late in the season, and you’re not going to get these opportunities back,” he said of why this reality, even just the threat of the end, is racing toward the fore of his mind.

Whether that door opens to one final playoff push or to Travis Kelce’s final snap in the NFL, Kansas City is stepping into a crossroads that may soon define the legacy of one of football’s greatest duos.