At a Glance
- Travis Kelce, 36, faces retirement rumors after 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs
- Rob Gronkowski urges Kelce to trust his gut on whether to stay
- Kelce is set to play a final regular-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders
Why it matters: Fans and analysts watch whether Kelce will keep playing or step away, while Gronk’s advice highlights the emotional side of a football career.
Travis Kelce has been the Chiefs’ star tight end for 13 seasons, and rumors that he might retire have sparked a wave of speculation. In a December 29 interview on “Good Morning America,” former NFL star Rob Gronkowski shared advice that could shape Kelce’s next move. Gronkowski, who himself has navigated retirements, says the decision comes down to feeling the game in your heart.
Gronkowski’s Playbook Advice
During the interview, Gronkowski told Kelce to “listen to your gut feeling.” He added that if a player truly loves football and feels they belong on the field, they should return. He warned that if the heart isn’t in it, there are many opportunities outside the sport.
> Rob Gronkowski stated:
>
> > “Listen to your gut feeling. If you truly love the game of football and you feel like you belong out there on the football field, well then go back. Look at your options, see what’s presented to you on the table and weigh it all out and take your time.”
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> Rob Gronkowski added:
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> > “Only go back to the game of football if you truly believe and feel like you belong on the field still. If your heart’s not in it, well then you got a lot of opportunities ahead of you and he’s gonna be successful in whatever he does in his next venture.”
>
- Trust your gut
- Love the game
- Consider all options
Kelce’s Career, Family, and Final Game
Kelce, who is married to pop star Taylor Swift, has kept his personal life largely private. He has also spoken about his brother Jason Kelce, who retired in 2024 after a long career with the Philadelphia Eagles, and about former teammate Tony Gonzalez, who retired at 37. Kelce says he wants to finish strong, even as the Chiefs are out of playoff contention and quarterback Patrick Mahomes is sidelined with a season-ending ACL tear.
> Travis Kelce said:
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> > “When it’s over, it’s over. I feel like I don’t know, like I still have a lot of love for this game. I feel like if I came back, it would be to answer that flame in my heart that I still love this thing.”
>
| Player | Team(s) | Retirement Year | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Gronkowski | Patriots (2019) | 2019 | Deep thigh bruise & loss of joy |
| Rob Gronkowski | Buccaneers | 2022 | Fourth championship & final |
| Jason Kelce | Eagles | 2024 | End of career |
The Chiefs’ final regular-season game on Jan. 4 pits them against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kelce is ready to suit up, hoping to give Chiefs Kingdom everything he can before any potential farewell.
Key Takeaways
- Rob Gronkowski advises Kelce to trust his gut and feel the game in his heart.
- Travis Kelce is set for a final Chiefs game, even as the team misses the playoffs.
- Kelce’s retirement decision will be influenced by personal love for football and family ties.
Travis Kelce’s next move will be watched closely by fans, teammates, and the wider NFL community as he balances love for the game with life beyond the field.
