Travis Kelce has fueled fresh retirement speculation after a longtime friend shared a message about his NFL future. The Chiefs star faced retirement rumors before confirming his return for a 14th NFL season in March. Now, one longtime friend hinted that this season may be the end for Kelce. Kelce hasn’t officially confirmed that he’ll be retiring at the end of the 2026 season.
Trainer comments sparked fresh speculation about Travis Kelce’s future with the Chiefs
Kelce became the center of new retirement talk after Cris Carter, Florida Atlantic University Football’s Director of Player Development, shared an Instagram photo with the Chiefs tight end on Monday, July 20. Carter wrote, “Andrew and I started with Travis before his rookie year in the NFL. Know the (GOAT) is preparing for THE LAST DANCE. Next stop Canton/HOF.” The post supposedly discussed the possibility of Kelce retiring from the NFL. Kelce has not responded to Carter’s comments.
The image also included longtime trainer Andrew Spruill, who has been working with Kelce for several years in his company, Game Speed Trainer. In another Instagram post, Johnny Olsen, owner of Johnny O’s Gymnasium Boca Raton, hailed Kelce. Olsen expressed his gratitude for Kelce’s loyalty and friendship over the years. He also said he’d like to see Kelce in a gold jacket in five years for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Carter’s Hall of Fame reference also highlighted the possibility of Kelce eventually entering Canton after his playing career ends. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, players become eligible for induction after they stay away from the game for five consecutive seasons. Kelce spoke about his decision to return while attending Tight End University at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium on June 23. When asked why he came back, Kelce responded, “Oh, I don’t want to cuss in front of everybody, but I love this s–t.”
The Chiefs will kick off the 2026 season with a visit to the Denver Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14. Kelce hasn’t announced whether this will be his final season. Carter’s message has only fueled the retirement speculation.
TELL US – COULD THIS BE THE FINAL CHAPTER OF TRAVIS KELCE’S NFL CAREER?
