Travis Kelce’s NFL future gets an intriguing twist as former Patriots veteran points to a factor that could keep the Kansas City Chiefs star playing beyond 2026

Travis Kelce entered the 2026 season with retirement questions around him. Three weeks into his 14th NFL season, though, a new reason has entered the conversation. Rob Gronkowski believes a run at his career touchdown total could give Kelce another reason to return in 2027.The intriguing idea came from Gronkowski himself. During an appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end looked at Kelce’s chase of his 92 career receiving touchdowns. Kelce started 2026 with 82, leaving him 10 behind Gronkowski.Rob Gronkowski sees a record chase keeping Travis Kelce in Kansas CityGronkowski did not say Kelce has decided to play beyond 2026. Instead, he pointed to a scenario that could make another season tempting. “If he gets to that level of touchdowns this year, that would be pretty insane. He would I think he would have to stick around again next year,” Gronkowski said on the “Up & Adams Show.”.The numbers give Kelce a realistic target. He had 82 receiving touchdowns entering the season and needed 10 more to match Gronkowski’s 92. However, Gronkowski’s mark does not stand as the overall tight end record. Antonio Gates owns that record with 116, while Tony Gonzalez sits second with 111.Kelce also has plenty of other milestones already building around his 2026 campaign. Through three games, he had 1,094 career receptions, 13,233 receiving yards and 84 receiving touchdowns. He moved into second place among tight ends in career receiving yards, behind Gonzalez.That gives the retirement story another layer. Kelce does not need to announce anything now. But if he reaches Gronkowski’s number, the possibility of walking away immediately could look different.Travis Kelce has already made his 2026 intentions clearTravis Kelce had already pushed back against the idea that he viewed 2026 as a farewell tour.On Sept. 14, ahead of the Chiefs’ season opener against the Denver Broncos, Kelce spoke with ESPN’s Chris Berman in an interview that aired on Good Morning America. He said he still wanted to compete and did not feel ready to move into life after football.“I want to keep playing until the wheels fall off,” Kelce told Berman. He also said he still believed he could compete at a high level and was “not ready” for the next phase beyond football.That stance followed a much less certain message from January. After Kansas City finished the 2025 season at 6-11, Kelce admitted he needed time to decide his future. He eventually returned for a one-year deal and began his 14th NFL season at age 36.Now, Gronkowski has put another possible storyline on the table. Kelce needs eight receiving touchdowns to pass Gronkowski, and 10 to tie him. If he gets there during the 2026 season, the chase could continue into 2027.As of now, Kelce has made no commitment beyond this season. But his own words, combined with Gronkowski’s prediction, have given Chiefs fans another reason to keep an eye on what comes next.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.