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Jan 17, 2026, 10:30 AM CUT
Tom Brady Drops Major Travis Kelce Advice As Chiefs Star Eyes Retirement
While many are saddened by the possibility of Travis Kelce retiring this year, no one wants him to rethink this decision more than legend Tom Brady.
In a small media interaction with ET, Brady shared that he adores the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end. Calling him one of the best players the NFL has witnessed, Brady also stated that Kelce still has a few more years to play.
“He's a stud man, what a great player he's been. He could still play, he looked great this year, I thought it was one of the best years he's had in a long time.”
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 26: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes 15 runs behind the blocking of tight end Travis Kelce 87 during a 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on January 26, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 26 AFC Championship - Bills at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2501261781
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 26: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes 15 runs behind the blocking of tight end Travis Kelce 87 during a 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on January 26, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 26 AFC Championship - Bills at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2501261781
At 36, Kelce made 76 receptions for 851 yards and scored five touchdowns. Against the Denver Broncos in Week 11, Kelce made nine receptions, recorded 13 targets received for 91 yards with a touchdown, his best game this season. It was followed by seven receptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Chargers, each in Week 6 and 15, respectively. While the numbers may not be as high as his 2022 season with 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns, he still had respectable numbers.
"I love watching him play, I love his personality, his temperament, his competitiveness, he's one of the all-time greats that has ever played this game."
Super Bowl LV in 2021 marked Kelce’s career-best finale performance as he made a whopping 10 receptions for 15 targets. He has powered franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes and won the rings in 2020, 2023, and 2024.
Kelce’s Strained Past Two Years and Personal Life
Unlike some players who played well into their 40s, fans have jokingly pointed out that Kelce is no longer that fast. The 2025 season ended in a humiliating 22-40 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and they were eliminated from this year’s playoff race with a 6-11 record.
The Chiefs' season ended abruptly after quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a season-ending ACL injury, leading to the team missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
This raises the question of whether Kelce will choose to retire.
While no official announcement has been made, speculation about his retirement is growing.
What do you think? Is Brady correct, and should Kelce push himself more?
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar