Peyton Manning Urges Travis Kelce to Take ‘Some Time’ as He Considers Retirement After Super Bowl Loss

“I hope he takes some time and doesn’t make a rushed decision,” the 48-year-old former quarterback told E! News on the red carpet at the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday, Feb. 16.

“It’s emotional coming off that Super Bowl, so the last thing you want to do is go, ‘Okay, I’m going to make a decision now,’ ” said Manning, who won two Super Bowls during his 18-year career in the NFL.

“Take some time, take a full month,” he told Kelce, via the outlet. “Let some things digest and calm down. I think you’ll make a better decision then.”

Manning, who previously hosted SNL 18 years ago, said he was “honored” to be at the event around so many talented stars. He also made a point to acknowledge the 35-year-old tight end’s prowess both on the field and on the SNL stage. (Kelce made his own debut as host of the revered sketch comedy show in March 2023.)

“I hope he comes back and plays,” Manning told E! News. “He’s fun to watch.”

After the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by 18 points during the 2025 Super Bowl, rumors circulated that Kelce may not return to the field.

His teammate, Patrick Mahomes, 29, told reporters after the game that he’s going to “let Travis make that decision on his own” about retiring following a long season.

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL,” the Chiefs quarterback added of Kelce. “And he’s been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch.”

Kelce has had a historic run in the NFL thus far, becoming the third all-time tight end in career receptions with 1,004, as well as third in receiving yards with 12,151, The Athletic reported. He also comes in fifth for all-time career receiving touchdowns with 77.
Three days after the Chiefs’ unexpected loss, Kelce addressed retirement rumors on the Feb. 12 episode of New Heights, the podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Eagles alum Jason Kelce.
“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” Travis said.

He also noted that the “biggest thing” for him and his teammates right now is “being there” for each other and “understanding.”
“I’m gonna take some time to figure it out. And, I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it’s a wholehearted decision. I’m not half-assing it, and I’m fully here for them,” said the tight end.