Travis Kelce is still listed as an active player for the Kansas City Chiefs in their 2026 roster, but the tight end has already begun exploring life beyond football through acting, podcasting, and business ventures.
In an August 2025 profile with GQ, Kelce acknowledged he has started thinking about his future outside the NFL, though he has not set a retirement date. His current focus remains firmly on football, but the range of activities he’s involved in suggests he is testing potential paths for when the time comes.
Kelce has dipped his toes into Hollywood with small roles in scripted projects. He appeared as Ed Laclan in FX’s Grotesquerie and had a brief part as a hotel waiter in Happy Gilmore 2. The latter gave him a chance to work alongside Adam Sandler, whose films Kelce enjoyed as a child. During a December 2025 episode of his podcast New Heights, actor George Clooney asked Kelce about his plans for acting after retirement. Kelce said he would gladly accept opportunities from Sandler but admitted he is still a newcomer unsure of his acting skills. He promised to be a good teammate and enjoy the experience if invited onto a set.
Kelce’s podcast New Heights, co-hosted with his older brother Jason Kelce, a retired Philadelphia Eagles center, has grown into a significant media platform. The show covers football, pop culture, and personal stories, attracting high-profile guests. In August 2025, GQ reported the brothers signed a deal with Wondery, giving the podcast a firm foundation. The project allows Kelce to develop interviewing and entertainment skills that could support his post-football career.
Business ventures also factor into Kelce’s expanding portfolio. He mentioned investments in car washes in Missouri during his GQ interview and expressed an interest in the collaborative side of business. These ventures suggest Kelce is exploring options beyond sports and entertainment without committing to a full-time entrepreneurial role. Such investments might offer flexibility, requiring varying levels of involvement once he stops playing.
Despite these pursuits, Kelce has spoken candidly about what he would miss from football. On New Heights in March 2026, he singled out the pressure and excitement of big games, especially the responsibility of performing for teammates and fans. He acknowledged that the competition and intensity of postseason football create an environment difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Kelce’s NFL career began in 2013 when the Chiefs drafted him in the third round. Over more than a decade, he has become one of the league’s most productive tight ends and a cornerstone of Kansas City’s championship era. The name recognition and connections from his football success shape the opportunities available to him, but he has not committed to a single path yet.
For now, Kelce’s future remains open as he balances his ongoing football career with growing interests in entertainment, media, and business. His remarks indicate a willingness to experiment and collaborate rather than a definitive step away from the game.
According to Yahoo Sports.