Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce reflected on a potentially significant moment in his career following his team’s 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15.
Playing in his hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the 35-year-old tight end hinted that this might have been his last game in the city where it all began for him.
Speaking on his “New Heights” podcast alongside his brother Jason Kelce, Travis admitted that the moment felt strangely significant.
“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.”
The comment has added more fuel to the growing speculation about Kelce‘s potential retirement.
As he closes out his 12th season in the NFL, many believe he could walk away from the game, especially if the Chiefs manage to capture their third consecutive Super Bowl title.
It would mark Kelce‘s fourth championship overall, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest tight ends of all time.
Retirement talk intensifies
The possibility of Kelce stepping away from football has been a hot topic throughout the 2024 season.
Back in September, he appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show”, where he was asked directly about his retirement plans. At the time, Kelce was still enthusiastic about the game.
“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.”
While those words were reassuring to Chiefs fans, they didn’t completely rule out the possibility that this could be his final season.
As the oldest tight end among active NFL starters, Kelce‘s physical health and legacy are increasingly part of the conversation. With age comes a natural decline in production, and by Kelce’s standards, 2024 has been a “down” year.
MORE in MARCA
Taylor Swift and the minor surgery she may have undergone: What is blepharoplasty? | MarcaMarca
Taylor Swift flaunts beautiful ring on date night with Travis Kelce but Swifties think it cannot be the engagement ring | MarcaMarca
Through 14 games, Kelce has posted 84 receptions for 709 yards and two touchdowns, a stark contrast to the numbers fans have come to expect from the perennial Pro Bowler.
However, it’s important to note that Kansas City’s offense has shifted. The team has dealt with injuries to key players such as Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, forcing Kelce into a more versatile role where he serves as both a security blanket and a blocking tight end.
