Travis Kelce refused to rule out retiring from football after playing in what could be his final Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday as he paid tribute to his teammates and colleagues in an emotional postgame interview.
The 36-year-old endured a quiet game in the dead rubber contest, which finished 14-12 to the Las Vegas Raiders.
But he did break through the 13,000-yard barrier in his illustrious with his 10 receiving yards off two catches. He’s only the third tight end to reach the milestone, and is the fastest in NFL history to do so.
Many believe it could have been the final game of Kelce‘s historic, Hall of Fame-worthy career.
The 13-year veteran’s contract with the Chiefs is reaching an end after this season, and he has yet to decide whether or not he’ll retire.
Kelce addresses retirement head on
Despite the Chiefs‘ defeat to their AFC West divisional rivals, Kelce says he was proud of the efforts his teammates put in to try and win before addressing his potential retirement.
“First thing’s first, I just love this team like Chris Jones over here pointing at me, I love that guy. Just proud of the way we finished even though it ended the way it did.
“The guys still showed up, gave it their all and that’s all you can ask for man. I got so much love for this team, this organization, the people here. So I’ll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings tomorrow and get close to the family and figure things out.
Asked whether he will make a quick decision or take some time, like his head coach Andy Reid advised him to in 2024, Kelce said: “Who knows? Either it hits me quick or I’ve gotta take some time.
“Last year was a little bit easier, right away I wanted to give kind of give this one a shot. But I don’t know, we’ll see.”
A poor season for the Chiefs
The Chiefs finished third in the AFC West division and missed out on the playoffs. It’s been a season to forget for the franchise, with Reid overseeing a 6-11 record for the season and Patrick Mahomes suffering a horrific knee injury.
Kelce explained how he felt the luck wasn’t on their side in the decisive moments.
“Obviously we didn’t do this well as a team but I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock and roll. [We had] the right intentions, the ball just didn’t go our way in a lot of those close games unfortunately.
“If I do choose to come back, we gotta focus on making sure I’m available and I’m ready for those moments.
Kelce also paid tribute to those behind the scenes at Arrowhead and in the front office, saying that he feels proud to represent them.
“Everything that everybody gives, not just the players but the team, the coaches, the staff you don’t see a lot of, the people who make this the best organization,” he added.
“The integrity of showing up and being prepared for them, giving your all for them, knowing they’re doing everything they can to make this thing great, I think that’s a big piece of it.”
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