At a Glance
- Rob Gronkowski shares advice to Travis Kelce about a possible retirement.
- Kelce is a 36-year-old tight end with 13 seasons, rumored to step away from the NFL.
- Gronkowski himself retired after 9 seasons with the Patriots in 2019, returned in 2020, and retired again in 2022.
Why it matters: Kelce’s future will shape the Chiefs’ offense and spark a broader debate on player longevity.
Rob Gronkowski, a former NFL tight end, told Good Morning America on Dec. 29 that Kelce should listen to his gut if he loves the game. Kelce has faced rumors of retirement after a long career, and the former Patriots star offers guidance based on his own experience.
Gronkowski’s Guidance and Career Path
Rob Gronkowski’s advice centers on passion and self-reflection, urging Kelce to “listen to your gut feeling” and evaluate if he still feels at home on the field. Gronkowski’s own career mirrors this path: he played 9 seasons with the New England Patriots, retired in 2019 after a deep thigh bruise, returned in 2020, and retired again in 2022 after winning a fourth Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- 2010-2019 – Patriots (9 seasons)
- 2019 – First retirement
- 2020-2022 – Return, then final retirement
- 4th Super Bowl – With Buccaneers
Rob Gronkowski stated:
> “The only advice that I would give him, because I’ve been in this situation before, is listen to your gut feeling. If you truly love the game of football and you feel like you belong out there on the football field, well then go back. Look at your options, see what’s presented to you on the table and weigh it all out and take your time.”
Rob Gronkowski added:
> “Only go back to the game of football if you truly believe and feel like you belong on the field still. If your heart’s not in it, well then you got a lot of opportunities ahead of you and he’s gonna be successful in whatever he does in his next venture.”
Rob Gronkowski recalled:
> “I needed to recover. I was not in a good place. Football was bringing me down, and I didn’t like it. I was losing that joy in life.”
Rob Gronkowski said:
> “I could play right now.”
Kelce’s Current Situation and Future Plans
Travis Kelce has played 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and is currently a 36-year-old veteran. Rumors of retirement surfaced as the Chiefs fell out of playoff contention and quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Kelce is set to suit up for the final regular-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 4, but he has expressed uncertainty about his future.
Key facts about Kelce:
- 13 seasons with the Chiefs
- 36-year-old veteran
- Rumored retirement
- Brother Jason Kelce retired 2024 as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Teammate Tony Gonzalez retired at 37 years old
- Future bride Taylor Swift
Travis Kelce said:
> “Well, obviously, I’ve got one guy in my back pocket that called it quits when he was 36 years old, being my brother.”
Travis Kelce added:
> “I got another guy in my pocket that called it quits when he was 37 years old, being you.”
Travis Kelce said:
> “I’m just trying to finish out and give Chiefs Kingdom everything that I’ve got.”
Travis Kelce remarked:
> “When it’s over, it’s over. And I feel like I don’t know, like I still have a lot of love for this game. I feel like if I came back, it would be to answer that flame in my heart that I still love this thing.”
| Player | Career Start | Teams | Retirement Status | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Gronkowski | 2010 | Patriots (9 seasons) | Retired 2019, returned 2020, retired 2022 | 4 Super Bowl titles |
| Travis Kelce | 2013 | Chiefs (13 seasons) | Rumored retirement 2024 | 13 seasons, 36-year-old veteran |
Key Takeaways
- Rob Gronkowski advises Kelce to follow his gut and love for the game.
- Kelce’s retirement rumors stem from a long career and team challenges.
- Both players’ decisions reflect broader questions about longevity in the NFL.
Travis Kelce’s next move will influence the Chiefs’ strategy and the league’s conversation about player career spans.
