Travis Kelce’s Uncertain Future
Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is undecided about returning for the 2025 NFL season. He has been frequently asked about his retirement plans, especially during Super Bowl events. Despite speaking positively about his current situation and potential to continue playing, sources indicate he hasn’t made a decision yet. Super Bowl LIX could potentially be his last game in a 12-year career. Kelce is considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He plans to take time after the Super Bowl to consider his future and decide before free agency begins on March 12. His decision might depend on the outcome of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kelce’s Career and Potential Retirement
At age 35, Kelce expressed hope to still be playing football in three years but acknowledged preparing for life beyond football. He mentioned setting himself up for other opportunities knowing that a football career is finite. Despite a less impressive year statistically in 2024, he remains a key player with significant contributions during critical games.
Financial Considerations
Kelce has a base salary of $4.5 million for the upcoming season with an $11.5 million roster bonus due on March 14. It is likely he would earn more off-field post-retirement than by continuing to play.
Off-field Ventures
Kelce co-hosts a successful podcast “New Heights” with his brother Jason, which has been financially rewarding. He starred in an FX horror series “Grotesquerie” in 2024 and hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 2023.
Super Bowl LIX Significance
A win would make the Chiefs the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls, allowing Kelce a rare triumphant exit from professional sports if he chooses to retire.
Other NFL News Highlights
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to explore trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason. The Tennessee Titans hold the No.1 pick in the upcoming draft and are open to trading it. Several teams like Jets, Rams, Steelers, and Vikings face quarterback uncertainties heading into the offseason. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy’s contract expires soon after their season finale against Commanders. Colts’ Anthony Richardson is viewed as their presumptive starter for next season despite being benched earlier this year.
2025 NFL Mock Draft Insights
The 2025 NFL Mock Draft, focusing on NFC East teams, shows every club addressing offensive needs except for the Eagles. Ashton Jeanty is mentioned as a player who falls to a surprise team in the draft. Tom Fornelli unveils his first mock draft of the season, coinciding with the start of the NFL Draft season. The mock draft is not intended to predict actual outcomes but rather reflects current evaluations and team needs. The process leading up to the draft includes events like the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency, which can influence team decisions.
Sterling Sharpe’s Hall of Fame Induction
Sterling Sharpe, a former NFL player, was surprised by his brother Shannon Sharpe with the news of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Shannon Sharpe, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, invited Sterling over and wore a gold jacket to reveal the news. The announcement moved many to tears, highlighting the emotional significance of Sterling’s achievement. Sterling Sharpe played seven seasons as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. During his career, he recorded 595 catches for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns. He was selected to five Pro Bowls and named First Team All-Pro three times.
Super Bowl Week Buzz
The article is centered around the buzz and developments in the NFL during Super Bowl weekend, particularly focusing on the Chiefs-Eagles matchup. It highlights that after the Super Bowl, teams will begin preparing for next season with trades, cuts, signings, hirings, and draft picks. Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been gathering insights from various NFL insiders in New Orleans about free agency, extensions, trade candidates, coaching changes, and early draft buzz.
Key Topics and Developments
Key topics include Garrett’s trade market and its implications for the pass-rush market. Purdy’s potential contract extension. Stafford’s future in the league. Changes within the Saints’ coaching staff. The Titans’ draft plans. Trade possibilities involving Kupp. Allen’s contract deal discussions. The Steelers’ quarterback situation. The Commanders’ strategic plans moving forward.
Additional NFL News
The Kansas City Chiefs have elevated cornerback Steven Nelson for Super Bowl LIX. The Philadelphia Eagles have placed offensive lineman Nick Gates on injured reserve (IR). The Buffalo Bills are parting ways with special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley. The San Francisco 49ers are adding former Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to their defensive staff. The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Chris Beatty as their new wide receivers coach. Eagles’ Jalen Carter missed media availability due to illness, but teammates Jurgen and Dickerson expect to play. Former Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby has announced his retirement. The Dallas Cowboys have hired two new coaches, while the Seattle Seahawks have added to their offensive staff. The New York Jets are expected to hire Seahawks’ Charles London as quarterbacks coach. The Chicago Bears are hiring Eric Bieniemy as running backs coach. The Jacksonville Jaguars interviewed Vikings’ Grant Udinski for the offensive coordinator position. Eagles open Brandon Graham’s practice window; Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore returns to practice. Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is listed as “Did Not Practice” (DNP) in practice estimation due to a hamstring issue.