The Kansas City Chiefs are about to appear in their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Game, but there may be some trouble brewing in paradise.
Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ all-time great tight end, is 35 years old and closer to the end of his career than the beginning of it. Recent rumors have suggested that he may be close to calling it quits, and the latest comments from quarterback Patrick Mahomes won’t do anything to quiet the noise.
Patrick Mahomes Speaks on Travis Kelce’s Future
Mahomes spoke to 96.5 The Fan prior to the team’s playoff bout with the Buffalo Bills, and he was asked about the retirement rumors that were swirling around Kelce.
“I have no idea,” Mahomes told Kansas City’s radio station. “He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that.”
Today on #TheDrive with @cdotharrison Patrick Mahomes was asked about if Sunday could be Travis Kelce final home game.
LISTEN: https://t.co/cK53qwkQ6k pic.twitter.com/OHZqAq8VAP
— 96.5 The Fan (@TheFan965) January 21, 2025
The quarterback continued to wax poetic about his legendary teammate, suggesting that if this is their final ride together, they hope to make it a good one.
“I know he signed a two-year extension before the season and he seems like he still loves football, but he also has a great life as well,” Mahomes continued.
“Either way, I just appreciate every single time I step on the field with that guy, knowing he’s a true legend of not only the Chiefs, but the NFL. If it’s his last game, let’s go out there and get him a win. If it’s not his last game, let’s go out and win anyways, huh?”
The Chiefs will have their hands full with Buffalo in the AFC title game after the Bills narrowly escaped against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round.
Kelce Has Support From All Sides, Regardless of Decision
Kelce has already received public support from his partner, pop icon Taylor Swift, to make whatever decision he feels is best.
“She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game,” Kelce told the hosts of the “Stephen A. Smith Show.” “She loves coming to Arrowhead and coming to the games and cheering for me, so I got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams.”
After seven consecutive 1,000-plus-yard campaigns from 2016-22, Kelce has taken a step back in recent years, compiling 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2023 before logging 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Those numbers are still among the best figures posted by tight ends across the league, but they’re a far cry from what he produced in his prime. He’s arguably been leapfrogged by players like Brock Bowers and Sam LaPorta for the title of the “NFL’s best tight end.”
Nevertheless, Kelce has routinely showed up when it matters most, dominating the opposition in the postseason. He led the Chiefs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns during their back-to-back championship runs in 2022 and 2023, and he just posted a 7/117/1 receiving line in Kansas City’s impressive win over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round.
Fans have had plenty to say on the matter, with some expressing their love for Kelce, and others counting down the days until he calls it a career.
Former NFL quarterback and current football analyst Dan Orlovsky suggested that Kelce might be ready to retire if the Chiefs win their third straight title.
.@danorlovsky7 says Travis Kelce has "one great run left" in his NFL career 👀
"If he goes and has that vintage Kelce performance … and [the Chiefs] go on to three-peat, I think retirement becomes a very real thing." 👏 pic.twitter.com/SVEWmohH4r
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 16, 2025
The Chiefs posted a video on social media featuring Kelce which encouraged fans to “cherish the moment,” naturally fueling more speculation.
Cherish every single moment out on that field. pic.twitter.com/ilPUdi4KjV
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 17, 2025
Fans were quick to thank Kelce for his contributions, understanding that this may be it for the tight end.
I feel like us fans better cherish every moment we get with Kelce! Time goes fast.
— Heath Higgins (@WAYwardProject) January 17, 2025
He may not be the same dynamic receiving threat who could stretch the field like a receiver that he was in his prime, but Kelce is still one of the most important cogs in the Chiefs’ offensive system. Losing him would be a huge blow to the team’s future title hopes.
Luckily, regardless of whatever decision he makes, Kelce is still around for this postseason. As long as he and Mahomes are wearing the same uniform, it’s hard to consider anyone but the Chiefs as the title favorites.
