“There’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play,” Hunt said on Good Morning Football on January 28. He added that the Chiefs want to be respectful of Kelce’s process and recognize the off-season commitments in his life, including an engagement and upcoming marriage.
Kelce has promised to reveal his decision before the start of free agency in March, a timeline that coincides with a busy offseason away from the field. In addition to his weekly New Heights podcast, he has been focused on planning his marriage to Taylor Swift, alongside his ongoing NFL duties.
Off the field, Kelce has expanded his business portfolio with a Sleep Number partnership. He will become one of the company’s top shareholders (though under 5%), with RSUs that vest over three years and a star in national campaigns. Sleep Number stock rose more than 7% following the deal, and Kelce has long been a Sleep Number customer since 2019.
Earlier this year, Kelce also joined Jana Partners in investing in Six Flags, a stake that, when combined with Jana’s involvement, amounts to roughly 9% of the theme-park operator and about $200 million in value. He announced the move publicly on social media, highlighting a continued passion for family-friendly entertainment experiences.
As free agency approaches, Kelce’s decision will shape the Chiefs’ plans for 2026, with Hunt expressing optimism that the veteran tight end could suit up at Arrowhead again. Updates are expected as Kelce weighs the next chapter of his career while managing his high-profile off-field commitments.
