Travis Kelce boasts an impressive collection of three Super Bowl rings and is undoubtedly a first-ballot Hall of Famer, akin to the legendary Deion Sanders. He has achieved every accolade a football player could dream of.

It appears that Kelce is aware of his accomplishments and is contemplating a new chapter in his life.

While it would have been the perfect story to conclude with a historic three-peat and a fourth Lombardi Trophy, his journey is already remarkable. This is especially true for a player who started as a third-round draft pick and faced a significant setback, being suspended for an entire season at the University of Cincinnati due to marijuana use.

As one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Kelce’s career stats are astounding: 1,004 receptions, 12,151 receiving yards, and 79 touchdowns. Beyond the field, he has built a thriving media presence, ranging from a lucrative podcast to acting, producing, and even hosting a game show, including a successful stint on SNL.

At 35 years old, he is past the usual prime for his position. Since 2018, he has played an additional 19 games, contributing to the Chiefs’ total of 58 games over the last three years.

The lengthy seasons and brief offseasons demand significant physical and mental dedication. The inevitable decline may be on the horizon, if it hasn’t already started.

Lawrence Taylor once acknowledged that younger players were faster, leading Bill Parcells to inform him that he was becoming slower. This realization is a natural part of an athlete’s journey; however, for Kelce, his extraordinary performance and duration in the league are anything but typical.

No elite athlete wants to witness their decline, and no one wants their final playing days to overshadow their storied career.

Chuck Noll referred to the period following a player’s career as their “life’s work.” Kelce is already in the process of creating something remarkable for his own life’s work while still committed to his football career.

Currently, it seems he is reconciling these thoughts, giving himself space to accurately gauge his instincts about the future. He understands that once he takes off his helmet, it’s unlikely he’ll return—unless he decides to portray a football player in a major film.

Nevertheless, he seems to be leaning toward retirement. Every player who has the privilege to exit on their own terms grapples with the question of whether they could have played another season. No one wishes to discover they can’t continue when it’s too late.

On the New Heights podcast, Kelce’s insights suggest he is coming to terms with the notion that it might be time to step away. It may soon be surprising if he chooses anything other than to close the chapter on playing, while embracing the vast opportunities ahead.