Did Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hint he may retire soon?
On a Wednesday episode of his podcast, “New Heights,” the Cleveland Heights, Ohio native made intriguing comments about the Chiefs’ 21-7 victory over the Browns in Week 15.
“It felt so surreal,” Kelce told his brother Jason. “I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll ever play in Cleveland, but it kinda felt like I was giving it one last hoorah before I’m done because you know I’ve only played there twice in 12 years.”
Kelce acknowledging he’s nearing the end of his storied career is noteworthy. Of course, that doesn’t mean he will retire at the end of the season, but it does signal he is starting to consider it.
Kelce, 35, appears to be slowing. Through his first 14 games, he recorded 84 receptions for 709 yards and two TD catches. Per Pro Football Focus, he has posted a career-low 70.4 receiving grade.
Kelce’s decline will likely continue. According to Stathead, no TE in league history has had 1,000 receiving yards in a season at 35 or older.
It’s also fair to wonder if he still needs football.
He is in a high-profile relationship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, which has increased his popularity and opened the door to new opportunities.
He recently hosted “Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity,” an Amazon Prime spin-off of “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader.” In August, Variety’s J. Kim Murphy reported he was in talks to be the leading man in the action-comedy, “Loose Cannons.”
Winning more Super Bowls could convince Kelce to keep playing. This season, the Chiefs (13-1) aim to become the first time in the Super Bowl era to win three straight titles.
However, that may not motivate Kelce at a certain point. Plus, he’s still a future Hall of Famer, even if he never hoists another Lombardi Trophy. In 12 seasons with the Chiefs, he has made nine Pro Bowls and earned four first-team All-Pro nods.
Kelce still hasn’t revealed when he will retire, but don’t expect him to play much longer.