Stephen A. Smith shares why he thinks Travis Kelce could retire from NFL soon as his future with Taylor Swift grows

Stephen A. Smith thinks the end may be closer than many fans expect for Travis Kelce. The ESPN star believes the Kansas City Chiefs tight end could retire after this NFL season. Speaking to PEOPLE, Stephen A. Smith said football, age, and life outside the game may all push Kelce toward walking away soon. He also made it clear this is only his opinion, not inside news.

Stephen A. Smith shared his views after watching Kelce closely this season and following his life off the field.

Stephen A. Smith explains why Travis Kelce’s NFL future looks uncertain

Talking to PEOPLE, Stephen A. Smith said he never thought Travis Kelce would retire right after the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The game ended badly for the Chiefs, and Smith said Kelce would not want to finish his career that way.

“I expected him to be back,” Smith said. He added that a player like Kelce would not leave the league after a rough performance.

Stephen A. Smith Believes Travis Kelce Will Retire After This Season to Be with Taylor Swift: ‘Now Would Be the Time’ (Exclusive) https://t.co/fW5hvZ8JaR

— People (@people) December 9, 2025

Still, Smith believes this season could be different. He said Kelce has already achieved almost everything in football. Kelce is a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the best tight ends the NFL has ever seen.

Smith also spoke about age and wear on the body. Kelce is 36, and Smith said players who watch football closely can see small changes. “He’s still great,” Smith told PEOPLE. “But he’s not what he used to be.”

Smith explained that injuries, pain, and surgeries add up over time. Other players around the league are younger and faster, and that matters. According to Smith, this is often when players begin thinking about life after football.

Stephen A. Smith links Travis Kelce’s personal life and media career to retirement talk

Stephen A. Smith also pointed to Kelce’s life away from football. Kelce is in a high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, and Smith said that matters. “There’s a lot of good things for him to go home to,” he told PEOPLE.

Smith believes happiness off the field can change how players see the game. When football is no longer the only focus, walking away becomes easier.

Smith also said Travis Kelce would have no problem starting a new career. “He would instantly make it in television,” Smith said. He believes networks would offer Kelce a job right away.

Kelce has already tried acting and hosting. He appeared in TV shows, hosted Saturday Night Live in 2023, and took on movie roles. These moves support Smith’s belief that Kelce has many options.

Travis Kelce himself has said he is not done yet. After the 2025 Super Bowl, Pat McAfee shared on The Pat McAfee Show that Kelce texted him, saying he was “coming back for sure.” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid later told The Athletic that Kelce has been “training like crazy.”

Still, Stephen A. Smith believes all signs point to this season being a turning point. For Smith, the mix of age, success, family life, and new chances outside football make now feel like the right time.