Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL has become one of the most discussed topics this offseason, and former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning recently shared his thoughts on the tight end’s situation.
After 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce‘s contract is set to expire, and the team’s rare absence from the playoffs this year has fueled speculation about whether he will continue playing or retire.
Tom Brady gives Travis Kelce his advice and flowers, calling him one of the “all-time greats.”
Manning, who retired from professional football in 2020, offered insights based on his own experience with leaving the game and the difficult decisions veteran athletes face.
In an interview with People, Manning emphasized that retirement is a deeply personal choice and that only Kelce himself can truly know when the right time has come.
“That’s his decision, that only he can make,” Manning said. He pointed out that as players age, maintaining elite performance becomes more demanding, while the body naturally begins to slow down.
“It’s not like you can do less and get the same result. You have to work twice as hard to get half the results – the injuries, the buildup, you’re getting slower, the fast-twitch motions,” Manning explained.
Manning also expressed confidence that Kelce will make the choice that is best for him. He suggested that the tight end will likely spend the next few weeks or months reflecting on whether he still has the motivation to endure the grind of another NFL season or whether he is ready to pursue new opportunities.
Manning noted that Kelce has other paths available, including business ventures, media projects, and ongoing work with his popular New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce.
These alternatives could help fill the time even if he chooses to step away from football.
Personal decision still in the balance
Kelce himself has been transparent about his indecision. On a recent episode of New Heights, he explained that his retirement decision is still unresolved. He is taking time to assess how his body feels after rest and recovery before committing to another demanding NFL season.
“It’s a tough thing to navigate,” Kelce said. “If my body can heal up and I feel confident I can give it another 18, 20, 21-week run, I would do it in a heartbeat. Right now, it’s just finding that answer.”
While media opportunities and endorsements could play a role in his post-football life, they aren’t the deciding factor. Kelce‘s ultimate choice will be driven by his passion for the game and his own readiness to compete at the highest level.
As the offseason progresses, Chiefs fans and NFL observers alike will be waiting for Kelce‘s official announcement.
Manning’s comments serve as a reminder that retirement isn’t only about legacy, it’s about making a decision that feels right both physically and personally.
