Donna Kelce, 72, mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, has Passed away unexpectedly. Her sudden death has shaken the sports world. Here’s what we know so far

Travis Kelce, the NFL’s most well-known star, has been the subject of debate regarding his future in football. While fans wonder if he will retire, fresh reports indicate that personal reasons, such as his mother Donna Kelce’s health issues, are taking center stage in his decision-making.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce has never been shy about his tight-knit relationship with his family, especially his mom, Donna Kelce. She recently shared about a difficult health condition that has touched their family deeply. Though details are not made public, it’s clear that Donna’s condition has given Kelce’s already grueling career an added emotional burden.
Her fight is a harsh reminder of the need to put both physical and emotional health first. The NFL has come a long way in advancing health awareness, from pushing regular medical check-ups to developing mental health programs. Kelce, through his own experiences, is also increasing the call for these conversations.

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NFLDonna Kelce, 72, mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, has Passed away unexpectedly. Her sudden death has shaken the sports world. Here’s what we know so farPublished 2 minutes ago on May 12, 2025By Helen Winslet

Travis Kelce, the NFL’s most well-known star, has been the subject of debate regarding his future in football. While fans wonder if he will retire, fresh reports indicate that personal reasons, such as his mother Donna Kelce’s health issues, are taking center stage in his decision-making.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce has never been shy about his tight-knit relationship with his family, especially his mom, Donna Kelce. She recently shared about a difficult health condition that has touched their family deeply. Though details are not made public, it’s clear that Donna’s condition has given Kelce’s already grueling career an added emotional burden.
Her fight is a harsh reminder of the need to put both physical and emotional health first. The NFL has come a long way in advancing health awareness, from pushing regular medical check-ups to developing mental health programs. Kelce, through his own experiences, is also increasing the call for these conversations.

Travis Kelce’s retirement has become a burning issue, particularly following another Super Bowl win with the Chiefs. Whereas his physicality in the sport has been questioned extensively, now his mental and emotional health become important factors.

Balancing the constant demands of professional football with personal issues is no simple matter. Kelce’s case highlights how deeply personal issues can drive an athlete’s career choices. Whether it’s injuries, family obligations, or mental exhaustion, these issues weigh heavily in deciding how long to remain in the game.
Mental health activism in sport has gained pace over the past decade, with great numbers of athletes openly discussing their dilemmas. Kelce’s case further reiterates the need for support mechanisms, both team-based and family-based, to allow players to make choices that promote their well-being.
Travis Kelce’s impact is felt off the field as well. As a vocal mental health advocate, he has contributed to mainstreaming discussions on emotional resilience and psychological well-being in high-stress settings. His possible retirement, prompted by personal and family struggles, adds further impetus for robust mental health support systems in professional sport.