In January, Kelce said the Chiefs were aware of "where I stand" on his potential retirement decision "at least right now" during the latest episode of his New Heights podcast.

“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already, you know, having the exit meetings and they know where I stand at least right now,” Kelce said to his brother and co-host, retired former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, and their guest, Academy Award winner Matt Damon, during Wednesday's episode. “There’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that. I don’t know. It’s a tough thing to navigate, but at the same time, I think if my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel content that I can go out there and give it another run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. So I think right now it’s just finding that answer … when it all settles down.”

Kelce missed the playoffs for only the second time in his 13-year NFL career and said he will take the time being "human" with his friends and family.

“I put my feet up and I just be a human because I’ve been putting my body through the wringer for the love of it. I do enjoy playing football and the physical aspect of it. There is something about feeling the wear and tear of the football season … Just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and try and figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future in football," Kelce said.

The 36-year-old finished the 2025 NFL season with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns, having been selected as a Pro Bowler for the 11th consecutive season.