Travis Kelce drops a hint on his plans for retirement: Will No. 87 be back next year with the Chiefs?

Travis Kelce hasn’t made any official announcements about his future, but the longtime Kansas City Chiefs star may have just offered his clearest hint yet that retirement is not necessarily in the cards just yet.

Kelce “back in the building” next season?

During the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce spoke enthusiastically about the Chiefs hiring Eric Bieniemy as their new offensive coordinator, and the way he talked caught the attention of fans wondering whether the future Hall of Fame tight end plans to return for another season.

“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man. He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time,” Kelce said. “It’s gonna be awesome to see him back in the building.”

For many, that sounded like a player already picturing himself back in the facility next season. At 35 years old, Kelce has been at the center of retirement speculation for more than a year. After logging over a decade of elite production, multiple Super Bowl rings, and thousands of postseason snaps, questions about how much longer he wants to play are inevitable.

Kelce has acknowledged the physical toll of the game, especially during Kansas City’s recent run of deep playoff appearances. He has also built a growing media presence off the field, from “New Heights” to high-profile commercials and of course his connection to fiancé, pop star Taylor Swift, all of which fueled theories that he could step away sooner rather than later.

Still, when speaking publicly, Kelce has consistently stopped short of suggesting he’s ready to walk away. And now, his excitement about their new OC sounds like a player excited to work with him rather than an alum excited for his old teammates.

[embedded content]

Bieniemy previously served as Kansas City’s offensive coordinator during some of the most productive years of Kelce’s career. From 2018 to 2022, Kelce averaged over 1,200 receiving yards per season and became one of the most reliable postseason performers in NFL history under Bieniemy’s system. If Kelce were seriously contemplating retirement, many expected a more cautious tone. Instead, his excitement suggested unfinished business, especially considering the disappointing end to their 2025 season.

Despite his age, Kelce remains one of the league’s most effective tight ends. While his regular-season numbers dipped slightly compared to his peak years, he continued to elevate his play in critical moments, something that has defined his career. Patrick Mahomes has repeatedly emphasized Kelce’s importance to the offense, particularly in high-leverage situations, and the Chiefs have yet to identify a true replacement capable of replicating his chemistry with their quarterback.

Kelce has not formally ruled out retirement, and he’s been careful to say he’ll make a final decision after taking time to recover from the season. Still, moments like this tend to resonate because players nearing the end often speak with finality, reflection, or emotional distance. Kelce didn’t do that here.

Until Kelce makes an official announcement, speculation will continue. But if his excitement about Bieniemy’s return is any indication, Chiefs fans may not have seen the last of No. 87 just yet.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.