Travis Kelce‘s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his emotional post-Super Bowl moment with Patrick Mahomes has fueled speculation that he may be preparing to step away from the game.
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a tough 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, ending their bid for an unprecedented three-peat. As the dust settled, the NFL released a mic’d-up clip capturing a heartfelt exchange between Kelce and Mahomes, further intensifying retirement rumors.
“Forever Dawg”: Kelce’s Words Hint at Retirement
In the clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), a visibly disappointed Mahomes approached Kelce and said, “Love you, brother.” The 35-year-old tight end responded with a hug, adding, “Forever dawg. You know that. I owe you a lot for what you’ve done.”
The moment instantly caught fans’ attention, with many questioning whether this was Kelce‘s way of saying goodbye to his quarterback and longtime teammate. “Is Travis retiring???” one fan asked, while another wrote, “This sure makes it feel like that was the last run. Hell of a run it was.”
Kelce has not made an official decision yet, but his remarks on the New Heights podcast-co-hosted with his brother, Jason Kelce-suggest he is seriously contemplating his future.
“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” Kelce said on the Feb. 12 episode of the show.
Despite the Chiefs‘ Super Bowl loss, Kelce had another record-breaking season, solidifying his place as one of the greatest tight ends of all time. In November, he moved up to third place in all-time receiving yards for his position, adding another milestone to his already historic career.
Mahomes on Kelce’s Future: “I’ll Let Him Decide”
Following the Super Bowl, Mahomes addressed the growing speculation, saying he fully supports Kelce, no matter what he decides.
“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL. And he’s been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch,” Mahomes told reporters. “He knows he still has a lot of football left in him.”
Kelce echoed that sentiment on his podcast, insisting that if he returns for another season, it will be with full commitment.
“I’m gonna take some time to figure it out. And I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it’s a wholehearted decision. I’m not half-assing it, and I’m fully here for them.”
Chiefs Set a Deadline for Kelce’s Decision
The Chiefs reportedly want an answer from Kelce by mid-March, just before the new league year and free agency period begin. The tight end is also set to receive a $12.5 million roster bonus on March 15, further adding to the urgency of his decision.
While Kelce hasn’t ruled out another season, his words and demeanor following the Super Bowl LIX loss suggest that retirement is a very real possibility.
For now, fans and the Chiefs organization will have to wait and see if one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history has played his final game.
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