The future of Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end Travis Kelce became the hottest topic of discussion as the team wrapped up its 2025 regular NFL season. The Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders only added more fuel to the ongoing speculation about whether the veteran player is considering retirement.
Chris Jones Voices Strong Belief in Kelce's Return
However, inside the Chiefs' locker room, the atmosphere told a different story. Defensive lineman Chris Jones shared a clear and confident perspective on Kelce's career, effectively challenging the widespread claims that his teammate is nearing the end of his journey in professional football.
Jones spoke to reporters during his post-game press conference on January 4, 2026, after the Chiefs' loss to the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. When directly questioned about Kelce's plans, his response left little room for doubt.
"I'm not buying it, he'll be back next year," Jones stated firmly. "I can't promise you anything about another man. This was a tricky year for us. I have faith in my dawg coming back."
A Season of Challenges and Historic Milestones
The 2025 season presented numerous tests for the Chiefs. Injuries disrupted the team's rhythm, most notably when star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a knee injury that required surgery. The offense struggled to find consistent form at various points. These factors led many analysts and fans to wonder if Kelce, now 34, might think about stepping away from the game.
Despite the team's struggles, Kelce himself managed to etch his name deeper into the NFL record books. In the game against the Raiders, he finished with three catches for 12 yards. The most significant moment came when he achieved a monumental career milestone, becoming the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 13,000 receiving yards. He also tied the league record for the most consecutive seasons with at least 75 receptions.
A Decade-Long Partnership Anchoring Chiefs' Success
Chris Jones also had a personal milestone to celebrate during the final game. Entering Week 18, he was tied with Neil Smith for third place on the Chiefs' all-time sacks list. His performance against Las Vegas, which included two sacks, moved him past Smith. He now stands alone in third place, behind only franchise legends Derrick Thomas and Tamba Hali.
This achievement also propelled Jones to 65th place on the NFL's all-time career sacks list. Both Jones and Kelce were selected for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, demonstrating how the Chiefs' veteran core continues to perform at an elite level.
Jones and Kelce have been cornerstones of the Kansas City franchise since 2016. Their nearly decade-long partnership has been instrumental in the team's championship runs and sustained period of success, providing the stability upon which the organization has built its dynasty.
For now, the message emanating from the Chiefs' camp is one of steadiness and belief. According to his teammate Chris Jones, the remarkable journey of Travis Kelce in the NFL is far from over.
