As speculation grows over whether Travis Kelce will return for another NFL season, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning has some words of wisdom for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end—take a step back and don’t rush into anything.
Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion who understands the weight of such a decision, shared his thoughts during an interview with E! News on February 16 at the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special.
He urged Kelce to take his time before making any life-changing moves following the Chiefs' tough Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I hope he takes some time and doesn’t make a rushed decision," Manning said. "It’s emotional coming off that Super Bowl, so the last thing you want to do is go, ‘Okay, I’m going to make a decision now.’”
The Hall of Famer suggested that Kelce allow himself at least a full month to “digest and calm down” before deciding on his future.
Manning, who played 18 seasons in the NFL and experienced both the highs of winning and the struggles of tough losses, emphasized that making choices in the heat of the moment isn’t always the best approach.
Kelce, 35, has been the subject of widespread retirement rumors since the Chiefs' devastating 18-point loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. His teammate and close friend, Patrick Mahomes, acknowledged the speculation but made it clear that the decision is entirely up to Kelce.
"He's given so much to this team and to the NFL," Mahomes said after the game. "And he's been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch. I'm going to let Travis make that decision on his own."
Kelce, known for his incredible consistency and playmaking ability, has solidified himself as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. With 1,004 career receptions, 12,151 receiving yards, and 77 touchdowns, he ranks among the league’s all-time greats at his position.
Three days after the Chiefs' loss, Kelce addressed the rumors on New Heights, the podcast he co-hosts with his brother, recently retired Eagles center Jason Kelce. While he didn’t provide a definitive answer, he made it clear that he isn’t rushing into any decisions.
"I know everybody wants to know whether or not I'm playing next year, and right now, I'm just kicking everything down the road. I'm not making any crazy decisions," Kelce said on the podcast.
He also emphasized that his focus right now is on his teammates and the journey they’ve been through together.
"The biggest thing for me is being there for my teammates and understanding what we just went through," Kelce explained. "I’m going to take some time to figure it out. And, I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it's a wholehearted decision. I'm not half-assing it, and I'm fully here for them."
Kelce has been a key piece of the Chiefs' dynasty over the past decade, playing a vital role in their Super Bowl victories and becoming a fan favorite for his personality on and off the field.
His presence on the team—and in the NFL as a whole—has been larger than life, making his potential departure a major talking point.
Manning, who famously retired after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, understands the significance of making this kind of decision at the right time. His advice to Kelce mirrors what many former players have said—take a break, reflect, and decide with a clear head.
For now, Kelce remains undecided, but one thing is certain—whether he chooses to return for another season or retire at the peak of his career, he has already left an undeniable mark on the game.
