The Kelce brothers had to go through a tough time as the NFL season came to a close. In the build-up to the Super Bowl, Jason Kelce had his loyalty to this brother and his former team questioned, which turned out to be an emotional struggle for him. A week ago, Jason broke down in tears on the New Heights podcast while talking about the accusations that he was not fully committed to backing Travis for the big game and how watching it unfold brought him “sheer discomfort and frustration.” While Travis consoled and supported his brother, it wasn’t long before the reality of his NFL future dawned on him as well. Even though he has maintained that he won’t be rushed into a decision, the franchise has given him a deadline to make a final call. But as the brothers dealt with their respective Super Bowl fallout, they made an announcement around their podcast.

Is it time for the Swift effect to take a backseat now? With all that it brings — overexposure, business, political malarkey — it’s hard to keep the eyes on the ball. Sure, NFL viewership and merchandise sales contributing nearly $1 billion in brand value seemed like a good omen at the start but there was a raging faction wishing the worst for the Chiefs in the process. And talk about overexposure! When Jason Kelce’s wife Kylie debuted her own podcast, Not Gonna Lie, it didn’t take too long before overtaking Joe Rogan’s long-stamping authority as the No. 1 podcast in the country. Topping the charts not once but for months’ end! Trump-Swift-Mahomes saga just dragged on to a point where it stopped making sense for football!

“I think they’re overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation,” Kelce admitted in 2023 about NFL coverage of Taylor Swift during games. But they have only gone and amplified this even more and it has come with its drawbacks. This intense coverage has brought more than ever on anyone linked with the former champions. Jason Kelce had a tough time during the Super Bowl, with Eagles fans in particular, dragging him over his support for his brother. Now with Travis’ retirement decision looming, the attention is increasing by the day. Hence, the Kelce brothers have decided to hit pause on their chart-topping show, as they look for some time away from the limelight.

On February 18, New Heights dropped an Instagram story that read: “No new episode this week, but we’ll be back with offseason episodes and amazing guests soon.” The Kelces are taking some time off to perhaps regroup from the emotional rollercoaster that the Super Bowl was for both of them. But this isn’t just a podcast hiatus – it could be much, much more.

In all possibility, it’s a neon sign pointing to Travis’ looming retirement decision. On February 12, Travis talked about his future with the Chiefs amid retirement rumors. “I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” he told his brother.

Kelce faces a tough decision after what was an underwhelming season by his standards. This season saw his worst yardage (823) and touchdowns (3) since his rookie year and the Super Bowl drubbing by the Eagles really put things in perspective. “The fact that we keep going to these AFC championships and these Super Bowls, that means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body,” he mentioned.

His teammate Patrick Mahomes, backed Travis taking time to come up with a final answer saying, “Let Travis make that decision on his own.” But the Chiefs have already given him a timeframe.

On February 13, The Athletic reported that the Chiefs have given Travis Kelce until March 14 to make a decision on his future with the franchise. He is due a roster bonus of $11.5 million on March 15 and while the team would welcome him back, a decision before this deadline allows them to plan for the next season accordingly.

The TE has one more year on his deal before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Right now, Kelce is the NFL’s highest-paid tight end and has a $19.8 million salary cap hit next season. If Kelce decides to retire or is released by the Chiefs, they would only owe $2.5 million in a dead cap hit. Moreover, they would save 17.25 million in cap space, which will be crucial for Andy Reid to build a team that competes for the title again.

Still, the decision, for now, remains with Travis Kelce and he understands the pressure that he will have to bear. The defeat to the Eagles was a quick reminder that things can unravel just like that.

Some of his teammates believe he deserves to go out on a high, while his own mind seems tilted towards Super Bowl LIX being his final bow.

The weight of the crown wears heavy on Travis Kelce

“It’s just life, man, this sport can humble you so fast, man. It could give you so much praise, it can shoot you to the moon, and it can bury you, man, it can absolutely bury you, man. It’s the occupation we chose. Not everything can go as planned,” Travis shared. But here’s the kicker.

Travis isn’t just battling retirement rumors. He’s grappling with a legacy, and how best to send it off. With 12,151 career yards and more playoff receptions than anyone in NFL history, the grind is real. “I’ve played more football than anybody,” he confessed, comparing his career to Groundhog Day with extra turf burns.

Even brother Jason hinted Travis’ Swift-era glow-up hasn’t erased his “Peter Pan” vibes, quipping, “It’s changing. I think sometimes you get people in your life that maybe get that out of you… [but he’s still] got that youthful enthusiasm.”

One viral take claims Travis and Swift—now both dealing with defeats post-Grammys and Super Bowl—are entering uncharted territory. “Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are about to enter a new phase of their relationship. Because they have only been with each other when they’ve been winning,” argued creator Ali King.

So, what’s next? Travis vows, “I’m going to take some time to figure it out. I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it’s going to be a wholehearted decision, I’m not half-a–ing it.” Now, whether he’s trading touchdowns for TikTok dances or gearing up for one last ride, one thing’s clear—the Kelce saga isn’t over.