Colin Cowherd: Why Travis Kelce Should Retire Now for a Timely NFL Exit and Fresh Start

Colin Cowherd Urges Travis Kelce to Retire: "Perfect Time for a Clean Break"
By LeoCCiano Callao | Updated: 05:37 GMT, 13 February 2025

[Suggested image: Colin Cowherd speaking on The Herd with a headline graphic about Kelce’s retirement.]

FS1 analyst Colin Cowherd has urged Travis Kelce to retire following the Kansas City Chiefs’ crushing 40-22 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, arguing the star tight end has nothing left to prove.

Cowherd stressed that the NFL’s 2025 draft class is loaded with tight end talent, giving the Chiefs an opportunity to reload while Kelce exits on a high note. “This is the perfect time for a clean break,” Cowherd said on The Herd. “He’s expensive, and this is a good tight end draft. [The Chiefs] could move up and be aggressive.”

Kelce, 35, saw a dip in production during his 10th NFL season, tallying career lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3) despite 97 catches. Philadelphia’s defense further exposed his struggles, limiting him to four receptions for 39 yards in the Super Bowl while sacking Patrick Mahomes six times.

[Suggested image: Travis Kelce walking off the field after the Super Bowl loss, looking dejected.]

Cowherd praised Kelce’s legacy but emphasized the physical toll of the position. “He’s a Hall of Famer and an all-time great,” he said. “But we ask tight ends to block elite athletes every week. It’s grueling.” He also highlighted Kansas City’s roster turnover, noting Kelce has been Mahomes’ lone consistent weapon amid a “patchwork” offense.

The Chiefs’ dynamic tight end has hinted at retirement before. On his New Heights podcast, Kelce admitted he’s weighing his future. “I need to take time to decide if I’m fully motivated to keep going,” he said. “If I return, it has to be all-in for my teammates.”

With three Super Bowl rings, a likely Hall of Fame résumé, and off-field ventures (including commercials, endorsements, and media projects), Cowherd believes Kelce is set for life. “He’s got tons of money and options. Why grind through another season?”

Chiefs GM Brett Veach’s drafting prowess—landing gems like Rashee Rice and Creed Humphrey—adds to Cowherd’s case. Kansas City could target top tight end prospects like Georgia’s Lawson Luckie or Penn State’s Theo Johnson early in the draft.

[Suggested image: Graphic comparing Kelce’s 2024 stats to his career averages.]

Kelce’s potential exit would mark the end of an era. Since 2014, he’s redefined the tight end position with seven 1,000-yard seasons and 81 total touchdowns. However, retirement rumors will linger until he commits to 2025.

For now, Kelce’s focus is on reflection. “I owe it to my team to give 100%,” he said. “But I have to decide what’s best for me as a person.”

Why Retire Now? Cowherd’s Key Points

1. Strong Draft Class: Chiefs can draft a cost-controlled replacement.
2. Declining Production: Career-low efficiency despite high usage.
3. Financial Security: Kelce’s $60M+ career earnings and thriving off-field brand.
4. Physical Toll: Age and playoff mileage (17 postseason games since 2016).

While Chiefs fans hope for a farewell tour, Cowherd’s message is clear: walk away before the game walks away from you.

Share or comment on this article: Colin Cowherd: Why it’s the perfect time for Travis Kelce to retire from the NFL.

(Word count: ~650)