After the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns 21–7 in Week 15, standout Travis Kelce thought back on a potentially pivotal time in his career.
The 35-year-old tight end, who is playing in his hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, made a suggestion that this might be his final game in the city where his career started.
Travis acknowledged that the event felt oddly momentous while he and his brother Jason Kelce were on their “New Heights” show.
“It felt so surreal. I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll play in Cleveland, but it kinda felt like I was giving it one last hoorah before I’m done because I’ve only played there twice in 12 years,” Kelce said. “It was a special day for me personally.”
More rumors about Kelce’s possible retirement have been stoked by the remark.
Many people think he would retire from the NFL as he finishes his 12th season, particularly if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl for the third time in a row.
Kelce would further cement his status as one of the best tight ends of all time by winning his fourth championship overall.
Throughout the 2024 season, there was a lot of talk about Kelce maybe leaving football.
During an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” back in September, he was bluntly questioned about his retirement plans. Kelce was still excited about the game at the time.
“I’m still enjoying coming to work. I’m not dreading practice,” he told Eisen. “I’m just having so much fun and just so appreciative and so fortunate that I’ve been able to come into year 12 and still have this energy and this love and the ability to get to work.”
Although Chiefs supporters found solace in those remarks, they did not entirely exclude the chance that this might be his last season.
Being the oldest tight end among current NFL players, Kelce’s legacy and physical condition are becoming more and more discussed. Production naturally decreases with age, and by Kelce’s standards, 2024 has been a “down” year.
In sharp contrast to the stats that fans have been accustomed to seeing from the consistent Pro Bowler, Kelce has recorded 84 receptions for 709 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that Kansas City’s offense has changed. Due to injuries to important players like Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Kelce has been forced to play a more flexible role that combines blocking tight end and security blanket duties.
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