Travis Kelce has officially returned to competition, but he is trading the gridiron for the greens. While the three-time Super Bowl champion is teeing off at the Waste Management (WM) Phoenix Open Pro-Am today, he isn’t just battling the course; he is playing through a storm of speculation regarding his NFL future. As the Chiefs sit out the Super Bowl following a 6-11 season, Kelce’s appearance in Phoenix marks his first sporting return since the season ended, and a teammate has already dropped a major hint about what comes next.

Kelce is competing in the star-studded charity event, paired with Scottie Scheffler on the front nine and Brooks Koepka on the back. Gabby Herzig of The Athletic shared a post on X that shows Kelce in a retro Nike vest, capturing the high-energy atmosphere. Tournament chairman Jason Eisenberg praised the tight end’s impact on the event, telling the press:

“Travis Kelce is one of the most accomplished and recognizable athletes of his generation. His championship pedigree, competitive mindset, and star power make him a tremendous addition to the Annexus Pro-Am and an exciting presence for our fans during tournament week.”

Kelce’s participation is a big deal because it happens during the same week the NFL is getting ready for the Super Bowl. As a three-time champion and one of the most famous athletes in the country, his presence helps attract a national audience. His high-energy personality is a perfect fit for this event, which is known for being more about fun and fan interaction than a typical serious golf match.

While Kelce is a frequent golfer, his appearance at this year’s Pro-Am feels particularly significant due to the swirling rumors regarding his retirement from the NFL. Following a difficult 6-11 season where the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs, Kelce has been open about the fact that he is “searching for answers” about his future. 

Travis Kelce’s future remains undecided

Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL remains a major talking point, especially as he approaches the age of 36. Where many players choose to retire at this stage, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end has yet to make an official announcement. But his teammate, Trey Smith, recently provided a reassuring update. 

“Trav’s a man, and I love every play,” Trey Smith said while speaking to talkSPORT USA’s Will Gavin. “A guy who brings passion and energy, that’s going to be able to rally the troops… A guy that inspires you to go harder… He’s a dude I consider a close friend, a guy I care about a lot… It’s so much fun playing with Travis, excited about next year with him as well, and he’s just going to keep pushing, man.” 

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Despite these optimistic words from the locker room, Kelce himself has been careful with his public statements. In his previous interviews, he has acknowledged that his career is in a transition phase, noting that any decision to return involves a “two-way street” between him and the Chiefs organization. 

Kelce’s performance on the field suggests he still has plenty to offer, even if he isn’t hitting the record-breaking numbers of his prime. He finished a solid season with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns, which actually showed an improvement over his 2024 production.

He has emphasized that he wants to give the “Chiefs Kingdom” everything he has left while he is still on the field. After a tough loss to the Denver Broncos late in the season, he remained vague, explaining that he would need to consult with his family and friends before making a final commitment.