Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is one of the greatest players in NFL history, but the future Hall of Famer hinted at retirement in a recent interview. A third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati product missed most of his rookie season to injury but quickly became a household name. During his 12 seasons in the league, Kelce made nine Pro Bowls, four First-Team All-Pro teams, and played a crucial role in Kansas City’s three Super Bowl victories.Now playing in his age-35 season, Kelce knows he’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning, and he’s no longer the dominant force he was in the 2010s and early 2020s. While on the New Heights podcast, Travis Kelce hinted at his eventual retirement following the team’s Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns.
“It felt so surreal. 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…It was a special day for me personally.”
Travis Kelce Hints At Retirement: “One Last Hoorah”
In the quote above, Kelce talks about likely playing in Cleveland for the final time in his career. Cleveland and Kansas City play in different divisions, and the way the NFL makes their schedule means Kelce implied he will retire at some point within the next three seasons. The NFL uses a rotating formula to make their schedule: every year, teams play four games against an AFC division, another four against an NFC division, six against their division rivals, two games against AFC teams in different divisions that finished in the same spot of their respective divisions, and a 17th game against a non-conference opponent from the previous season.The Chiefs played the AFC North this year, so they won’t be on the schedule again until the 2027 season. Unless Kansas City and Cleveland finish in the same spot in their respective division races, the Chiefs will not play the Browns until then. Even if they both have the same finish, these teams might play in Kansas City, and not Cleveland. Even if this isn’t Kelce’s final year in the league, Week 15 was probably his final time playing in Cleveland.
Retirement rumors have followed Travis Kelce ever since he began dating superstar musician Taylor Swift. His long-term commitment to the pop legend combined with his advanced age (by NFL standards) and his drop in production has fans and analysts across the league wondering if the future Hall of Famer could call it a career after the season. The Chiefs are currently 13-1 and in the driver’s seat for the top seed in the AFC playoff picture. If they can win the Super Bowl for the third time in as many years, Kelce may decide to walk away as a four-time champion.
