The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a strange state down the stretch. Less than a year removed from winning the AFC, February’s Super Bowl representatives are out of the playoff picture entirely.
That became the case following a brutal 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes done for the year with a torn ACL and LCL, there isn’t a ton to play for. Kansas City won’t throw in the towel, but the future is the most pressing matter in many regards.
Could that especially be the case for tight end Travis Kelce? Maybe to the outside world, but not in his own mind.
Has Travis Kelce Caught His Last Pass From Patrick Mahomes?
Speaking to the media on Friday, the future Hall of Fame man was asked about his future. Is it possible that Kelce caught his final pass from Mahomes in Week 15? He isn’t letting that thought creep in.
As far as retirement is concerned, Kelce is kicking that can down the road until the offseason.
“Man, that’s crazy,” Kelce began. “You know, I think I’d rather keep the focus of the media and everything on this team right now. All the conversations I have with the team and everything moving forward will be with them. I think it’s a unique time in my life. Fortunately, I’ve got three games left, and I know when the season ends this year. Typically when we go into it, we don’t know when it’s going to end, that’s the beauty of it. Just trying to make sure everybody here knows I’m focused on trying to win football games these last few games.”
The case for Kelce hanging up the cleats at year’s end is an easy one to make. On one hand, he’s 36 years old and over a decade into his professional career. He’s had numerous surgeries, and his body is surely feeling the repercussions. The 2013 third-round pick is a 10-time Pro Bowler and one of the handful of greatest players to ever log a snap at his position. Add in his contract expiring and his relationship with worldwide music sensation Taylor Swift, and it’d be hard to blame him for being done soon.
There’s also a case against a retirement, though. After an underwhelming 2024 campaign, Kelce has bounced back in 2025. He’s averaging 3.4 more yards per reception, also seeing his success rate jump 5%. His 8.7 yards per target is his highest mark since 2022. His 6.1 yards after catch per reception is tied for a career-high.
Kelce isn’t giving an indication one way or another, though.
Kelce Staying Committed to Chiefs Despite Disappointing Season
Considering the Chiefs’ fall from grace, many are campaigning for a soft tank. Plenty of fans want them to lose out in order to land a better 2026 NFL Draft pick in the first round. Kansas City, however, made it clear that won’t happen.
Kelce echoed a similar sentiment. Despite having 125 regular-season games under his belt and another 21 playoff outings on the docket, he’s ready to honor his obligations.
“It’s just integrity, man,” Kelce said. “It’s integrity. I signed up to be a Kansas City 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 to play this game. I think the integrity of being a man about your work and giving everybody your devoted attention and your sense of urgency to be at your best for them, I think that’s just how you need to go about work whether you’re in the race or not.”
The Chiefs’ elder statesman on offense is playing through the pain.
“I mean, we’re rolling,” Kelce said. “I’m out here practicing every single day, and I’m able to keep doing it. It’s an honor to be out there on that field and feeling the discomfort I’m feeling right now, because there are a lot of guys and a lot of people who wish they could be out there on that field and get a chance to make those plays and feel the soreness after a game, you know? It’s almost an honor to feel all that — it’s the end of a football season, everybody’s banged up. This year’s no different than others.”
If upcoming games against the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders are it, Kelce will look to make the most of them.
Travis Kelce Dishes on Retirement, Potential Last Games With Chiefs