Despite the disappointment of an early postseason exit, Travis Kelce has made one thing clear: his season with the Kansas City Chiefs is not winding down quietly.
Even after the Chiefs were eliminated from the NFL playoffs last week, the 13-year veteran tight end confirmed he plans to play in each of the team’s final three regular-season games, beginning Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Those remaining matchups offer a chance to end the season on a high, starting with a home game versus the Titans in Week 16, followed by a Christmas Day clash with the AFC West leaders Denver Broncos, and a season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.
At 36 years old and in the final year of his contract, Kelce understands these contests could represent the closing chapter of one of the most accomplished careers in modern NFL history.
Following Friday’s practice, Kelce explained why stepping away early was never an option. “It’s just integrity, man,” Kelce said. “I signed up to be a Chief, and I love doing what I do.
“I know I’ve been dreaming of being in these moments and playing for an NFL team since I was a kid. Getting back to that will give you more motivation than you could ever need.
“That’s just how you need to go about work, whether you’re in the [playoff] race or not. I’m going to make sure these guys know I’m out there giving them everything I got.”
A decision that extends beyond wins and losses
For Kelce, the choice to play on is rooted less in standings and more in responsibility.
As one of the longest-tenured players on the roster and a cornerstone of the franchise’s success, he remains acutely aware of the message his actions send to teammates, coaches, and the organization.
A month ago, Kelce revealed he intends to decide whether to retire or return to the Chiefs by early March, ahead of NFL free agency.
That timeline reflects both pragmatism and respect for the franchise that drafted him. He has also spoken openly about how difficult retirement was for his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, who stepped away following the 2023 season.
Those conversations have clearly shaped his perspective. When asked whether last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers might have been his final game alongside close friend and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kelce paused before responding with four words: “Oh man, that’s crazy.”
The moment captured the emotional background surrounding his future. While retirement looms as a possibility, Kelce has consistently resisted framing the season in finality, choosing instead to remain present with his teammates.
Staying focused on the present
That mindset surfaced again when he addressed questions about what lies ahead. “I think I’d rather just keep the focus on this team, right now,” Kelce said.
“All the conversations that I have with the team moving forward will be with them. It’s a unique time in my life. I’ve got three games left.
“Unfortunately, I’ve got three games left and I know when the season ends. Just trying to make sure everybody here knows that I’m focused on trying to win games [in] these last three games.”
For the Chiefs, who have already been eliminated from postseason contention, the remaining schedule is about pride, evaluation, and momentum.
For Kelce, it is also about legacy and his commitment to the team only emphasizes his professionalism, traits that make him a popular figure in the NFL and beyond.
Whether these three games are his last in a Chiefs uniform remains unresolved. What is settled, however, is how Kelce intends to finish the season giving his best. In other words, it’s business as usual.
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