After a 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Christmas, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce discusses retirement, his career, and the Chiefs’ 5-game losing streak.
Chiefs’ Christmas Day Loss
After a 20-13 defeat to the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss shifted the conversation from the scoreboard to the future of veteran tight end Travis Kelce. The game, played at Arrowhead Stadium, left fans and analysts alike wondering whether Kelce will suit up again for the Chiefs in the coming season.
Kelce’s Retirement Rumors
When asked after the loss whether he had ever considered that it might be his final home game, Kelce laughed and said, “No, the only time it ever crossed my mind is I was driving in the other day, and I saw how much the Powerball was. I was like, ‘Man, if I could just win that, I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life’.” His comment was met with chuckles from the crowd and highlighted how the prospect of retirement has entered the conversation.
He then turned a bit more serious. “Honestly, I’ve just been focused on trying to win football games, man,” he said. “I’ll let that be a decision that I make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes.”
Interview with Tony Gonzalez
In a separate interview on Prime Video, Kelce spoke with former Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez about his future and whether the Christmas Day game might be his last. “I think I’m still searching for those answers,” he said. “I think, obviously, the way this (season) ended with a sour taste in my mouth, I feel motivated, but I got to make the right decision for me. I got to hope that if I do want to come back, the Chiefs are willing to bring me back, so it’s a two-way street on that.
“But, at the same time, at this point in this year, I’m just trying to finish out and give Chiefs Kingdom everything I got and go out there and do it with some of that flare that you said I play with,” he added.
Passion for the Game
“I still have a lot of love for this game,” he said. “If I feel like if I came back, it’d just be to answer that flame in my heart that I still love this thing.”
Kelce’s Legacy
Kelce’s 13 seasons with the Chiefs have seen him lead the franchise in receiving yards and rank third among NFL tight ends for receiving yards. His seven All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl appearances every year since 2015 underscore his consistent performance at the position.
Chiefs’ Season Context
The Chiefs’ 6-10 record this season reflects a downturn from the success that had characterized Kelce’s tenure. The loss to the Broncos on Christmas Day was the most recent of five consecutive defeats, a streak that has pushed the team toward its first playoff miss since 2014.
The Chiefs have not made the playoffs since 2014, and this season’s 6-10 record marks a downturn from previous playoff appearances for the franchise today.
The Chiefs currently sports a 6-10 record and has lost star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to injury, which has left the team searching for a new offensive anchor.
Relationship with Taylor Swift
Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift has brought additional media attention to his career. Swift attended the December 25 game at Arrowhead Stadium, marking the last home game of Kelce’s 13th NFL season.
Upcoming Game
The Chiefs will finish the season with a game against the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4. The exact kickoff time has not been announced, but the matchup will be the team’s final opportunity to finish the year.
Story Origin
TODAY.com first reported the story. Subsequent coverage has highlighted other aspects of Kelce’s life, including his best present for Taylor Swift, comments from Swift’s mother about their relationship, and a romantic letter he read aloud during the Eras Tour documentary.
