Determined to set the tone for what could be his final NFL season, Kelce arrived with unwavering focus and veteran swagger. “This is it,” one teammate was overheard saying.
“You can feel it. He’s locked in.” The star tight end is clearly chasing one last ride with quarterback Patrick Mahomes—a final dance in hopes of securing their fourth Lombardi Trophy.
Fresh off a personal training stint in Boca Raton, Florida, Kelce looked physically sharp and mentally recharged. He was reportedly thrilled to reunite with longtime teammates and to meet several new offseason additions to the squad. But beneath the smiles and fist bumps lies a deeper sense of purpose. For Kelce, this isn’t just another season. It could be the last.
While no official announcement has been made, speculation around Kelce’s retirement continues to grow. The whispers became louder after Kelce, during a recent New Heights podcast episode with his brother Jason, hinted at life after football—possibly even in another sport.
“Soccer could be a career I might invest in,” Kelce admitted, adding fuel to fans’ curiosity. With the U.S. set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including matches in Kansas City, Kelce’s interest in the global game may be more than just casual. “Another one for me would be the World Cup,” he said on the podcast. “I haven’t been to one yet. I will be doing it in 2026—Kansas City, Missouri, baby, let’s go!”
Kelce also gave a special shoutout to Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, for helping bring World Cup action to Kansas City. “Shout out to the Hunts and Brittany Mahomes,” Kelce said. “She helped make this happen.” Brittany, a former collegiate soccer player herself, played a key role in advocating for the city’s inclusion as a host site.
Jason Kelsey chimed in during the podcast as well, recalling his own 2014 trip to the World Cup in Brazil. “For Kansas City to be a Midwest host town is huge,” he said. “We had the stadiums, and now we’ve got the event.”
While soccer may be in Kelce’s future, his present remains grounded in football. And what a career it has been. Since being drafted in 2013, Kelce has become one of the most dominant and consistent tight ends in NFL history. A fan favorite in Kansas City, he’s not just a leader on the field but a symbol of the Chiefs’ dynasty alongside Mahomes.
Their connection—both strategic and emotional—has powered the Chiefs through some of their greatest moments. Together, they’ve redefined offensive play in the league, and together, they hope to cap it off with one more unforgettable run.
Whether 2025 marks Kelce’s final season or not, one thing is certain: he’s all in. No distractions. No drama. Just one goal in mind—bringing another Super Bowl title back to Kansas City.
And after that? Maybe cleats will give way to boots… on the soccer field.
