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

Mar. 15, 2025

Peyton Manning and Travis Kelce.Photo:Arturo Holmes/Getty; Gregory Shamus/Getty

Arturo Holmes/Getty; Gregory Shamus/Getty

Peyton Manninghas some advice forTravis Kelceas the Kansas City tight endcontemplates retirementafterlosing the 2025 Super Bowl.

“I hope he takes some time and doesn’t make a rushed decision,” the 48-year-old former quarterback toldE! Newson the red carpet at theSNL 50: The Anniversary Specialon 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.”

Peyton Manning at ‘SNL 50’.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Manning, who previously hostedSNL18 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 theSNLstage. (Kelce made his owndebut as hostof the revered sketch comedy show in March 2023.)

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

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty

Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty

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,TheAthleticreported. 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 ofNew Heights, the podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Eagles alumJason Kelce.

Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce.Gabriella Ricciardi/MLB Photos via Getty

Gabriella Ricciardi/MLB Photos via Getty

“I know everybody wants to knowwhether 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.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

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.

source: people.com