While the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans await Travis Kelce's decision on his playing future beyond 2026, a fascinating new career path is emerging for the superstar tight end. According to a major report, Kelce could be in line for a high-profile leap straight from the gridiron to the broadcast booth.
The Prime Video Shortlist
Senior sports media writer Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reports that Amazon Prime Video, home of 'Thursday Night Football,' is considering its long-term plans for the color commentator role alongside Al Michaels. While Kirk Herbstreit currently holds the position, the network is reportedly eyeing potential successors.
The leading contenders are two recently retired NFL stars who have already made successful transitions to television: Fox's highly praised analyst Greg Olsen and CBS's charismatic newcomer J.J. Watt. Both are seen as top-tier talents ready for a premier slot.
Enter the 'Wild Cards'
Marchand's report, however, adds a thrilling layer of speculation. He identifies two intriguing "wild cards" in the potential hiring process: Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and, notably, Travis Kelce himself. This places the Chiefs' tight end squarely in the conversation for one of the most visible NFL media jobs, despite having no official broadcasting experience.
The notion of Kelce trading his helmet for a headset is loaded with potential. His magnetic, unfiltered personality, showcased on his own podcast and in countless post-game interviews, could translate into electric television. For a network like Amazon looking to capture a younger, broader audience, Kelce's massive crossover appeal—amplified by his relationship with global icon Taylor Swift—represents a unique business opportunity.
Fan Reaction: A Mixed Bag
The prospect has already ignited fierce debate among football fans. Proponents of Greg Olsen argue he has earned a top spot through sheer analytical excellence and is currently the best color commentator in the game. They believe promoting from within the broadcasting ranks rewards merit.
Kelce's critics, however, are vocal. Some question whether his energetic, sometimes chaotic persona would be a distraction rather than an asset in the booth. Jokes about his commentary being "impossible to listen to" have already begun circulating on social media, highlighting the polarizing nature of his public image.
Kelce's Unwritten Future
All of this speculation hinges on several massive unknowns. First, Kelce has not announced any intention to retire after the 2025 season. Even if he does hang up his cleats, a direct Brady-esque jump to broadcasting is just one of many options. The future Hall of Famer could explore coaching, dive deeper into entertainment and business ventures, or simply take a well-earned break from the NFL spotlight.
For now, the report from Marchand firmly plants a seed. It signals that major networks see Travis Kelce not just as a legendary player, but as a potential media commodity with the star power to shape how a generation watches football. Whether he seizes that opportunity remains the biggest question of all.
