Chiefs owner Clark Hunt publicly signaled strong backing for Kelce to play again in 2026, telling Around the NFL’s Jeremy Bergman on Good Morning Football that the organization “certainly hopes” Kelce will return and that there’s “no doubt” he can still play at a high level.
Further fueling the return chatter, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said he has spoken with both Patrick Mahomes and Kelce, and they both appeared eager to get back to work. Bieniemy described their conversations as focused on reuniting and getting back in the grind.
Kelce has previously noted that retirement decisions are deeply personal, telling reporters after Kansas City’s final game of the season that the choice could come quickly or require time, and that last year he knew he wanted to give the current season a shot.
In the 2025-26 season, Kelce posted 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns across 16 games, and he earned PFWA All-AFC Team honors for the 7th time in his career, underscoring his continued on-field value even as the retirement question lingers.
Ultimately, Kelce’s decision remains his to make, but the Chiefs’ leadership—led by Hunt—has made clear they would welcome him back. The ongoing offseason dynamic centers on Kelce’s personal choice and the franchise’s clear preference for him to return if he opts to keep playing.
