As the Kansas City Chiefs reflect on their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, some key players are considering their future in the NFL. While there are speculations around Travis Kelce’s retirement, another longtime Chief, James Winchester, could also be ready to hang up his cleats after a successful career with the team.
Travis Kelce's potential retirement
Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ star tight end, is reportedly mulling over the idea of retiring following another Super Bowl appearance. Kelce, who has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense alongside head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is at a crossroads in his career.
Despite his age, Kelce remains a prominent player, but the Chiefs organization might view him more as a valuable role player rather than the focal point of their passing attack.
While Kelce has not made a final decision, the Chiefs are reportedly urging him to delay retirement, though they want to reframe his role within the team moving forward. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Kelce’s decision could have a significant impact on the Chiefs' roster and future strategies.
James Winchester's career
Alongside Kelce, another long-tenured Chiefs player, long snapper James Winchester, is also contemplating retirement. At 36 years old, Winchester has been with the Chiefs since 2015 and has witnessed the team’s rise to NFL dominance. He is one of only six players who have celebrated all three Super Bowl victories with Reid and Mahomes, solidifying his place in the franchise's history.
Although Winchester may not have the same spotlight as Kelce, his contributions over the years have been undeniable. With 25 playoff appearances, he shares the record with Kelce for the most postseason games played by a Chiefs player.
Winchester considers retirement
Winchester had already hinted at retirement before the Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Speaking to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, he mentioned that after the season, he would consider whether to continue playing in the NFL.
It’s one of those things that you just evaluate after every season, Winchester said,
reflecting on the team’s accomplishments and his long-standing career with the Chiefs.
Winchester’s future with the Chiefs remains uncertain, and while he has not ruled out retirement, he is continuing to evaluate his situation. He acknowledged that at his age, one-year contracts are the norm, which adds a level of uncertainty to his next steps.
Feeling great now and still snapping, but we’ll decide that after the season, he added.