The career of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is almost certain to result in an eventual induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But will Super Bowl LVIII be the final game of this outstanding career?
Let’s look at the persistent rumors regarding Kelce’s future in the NFL, as well as look at his career to this point.
Will Travis Kelce Retire After Super Bowl LVIII?
The future of Kelce has been a notable topic of discussion leading up to Super Bowl LVIII. As one of the premier players in the NFL, and with the notoriety of being one-half of the celebrity “it” couple of the moment with girlfriend Taylor Swift, Kelce’s world is under a microscope these days.
So, at the age of 34 and with 11 seasons under his belt, will Sunday be the final time we see Kelce in an NFL uniform?
Kelce’s comments during the buildup to Sunday’s game haven’t confirmed any rumors. But they haven’t closed the door on any speculation, either.
In addressing the retirement storyline this week, Kelce said the following:
“It’s something that you’ve got to think about.
“That’s always a question that you get when you’re later in your career, and you start to fall off…
“I can’t put a timestamp on how long I’ll play, but I know I’m loving every single bit of coming into work right now.”
On the other hand, Kelce also addressed his future in other ways.
“I want this one more than I’ve ever wanted a Super Bowl in my life. And it’s because the type of team that we have, the people that we have in this thing, but also because that tier of teams that have done it twice have gone down in history as some of the greats.”
Retirement has been a theme surrounding Kelce of late. Older brother Jason Kelce recently announced his retirement after 13 standout seasons with the Eagles. And Kelce’s head coach, Andy Reid, continues to have the retirement question attached to him every time the NFL season winds down.
Is Kelce One of the NFL’s All-Time Great Tight Ends?
Whether it’s after Sunday’s game or in another year or two, Kelce is already one of the greatest ever to play the tight end position and a lock to make it to Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time first-team All-Pro pick, Kelce has a pair of Super Bowl titles and has been Patrick Mahomes’ most reliable target since he became the starting quarterback six seasons ago.
For the sixth straight season in 2023, Kelce had at least 90 receptions, finishing with 93 catches for 934 yards and five touchdowns. His career resume includes over 900 receptions (907), over 11,000 receiving yards (11,328), and 76 total touchdowns (74 receiving, two rushing).
And he remains a major big-game player. In 21 career postseason games, Kelce has 19 touchdown receptions to go along with 156 catches and 1,810 yards. He has had 100 receiving yards in eight playoff games, including two in the Super Bowl.
MORE: Super Bowl LVIII Predictions From the Entire PFN Staff
Kelce has at least one TD reception in 14 of his last 18 playoff games.
So, win or lose on Sunday, one of the main questions will remain out there, waiting for an answer.
Was this the last time we get to see Travis Kelce on the field?
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