With the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2014, all eyes were on Travis Kelce in the Week 18 finale, with fans wondering: Is it over now?
Well, if Kelce had any idea what the future held, he didn't give up after Sunday's 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I just love this team” Kelce said after the game, according to ESPN's Nate Taylor. “I’m proud of the way we ended it, even though it ended that way. The guys still came and gave it their all. That's all you can ask for, man.
“I really love this team, this organization and the people here. “I’ll spend some time with them, do retreats (Monday), bond with the family and figure it all out.”
Following their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last February — as the Chiefs missed out on a chance to win three titles and a fourth of Kelce's career — the 36-year-old announced he would return for the 2025 season to play out the final year of his contract with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
But with the Chiefs coming off a 6-11 season in which Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and Kelce caught 76 passes, his fewest since 2015, the buzz surrounding a potential retirement has never been louder.
“Who knows?” Kelce spoke about his future on Sunday. “Either it will happen quickly, or I will have to spend some time. Last year it was a little easier. I think I knew right away that I wanted to give this (year) a chance. Let's see”.
With three receptions for 12 yards on Sunday, Kelce surpassed 13,000 career yards and became the second player in NFL history with 75 or more receptions in 10 straight seasons, according to ESPN.
The six-foot-five tight end totaled 851 yards and caught five touchdowns during a tough year in Kansas City. He also set the Chiefs record for most touchdowns in November with his 84th career score.
“Obviously we didn't do very well as a team, but I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock 'n' roll with the right intentions,” Kelsey said. “Unfortunately, in many of these close games the ball just didn’t go our way. If I decide to come back, that's what I really need to focus on, making sure I'm available and ready for those (late-game) moments.”
The good news for Kelce fans is that he was selected to his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl this season, meaning he won't be away from the NFL for long.
But beyond that, it's anyone's guess whether Kelsey will return for Season 14.
