Death, taxes, and retirement rumors surrounding Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and tight end Travis Kelce in December. Kelce sparked rumors of his impending retirement this week when he made a bold statement on the New Heights Podcast.
Kelce and Reid were the subject of retirement rumors during the postseason for the 2023 season. Both vowed to return for a chance at a three-peat this season, and both were rewarded with new deals in the offseason.
At 35, Kelce is starting to slow down a little bit. He’s caught 84 passes for 709 yards but has just two touchdown receptions with three games left in the regular season. With Kelce’s off-the-field life taking off, he might decide to take off his cleats for the last time after the postseason, which the 13-1 Chiefs are headed to in January.
While talking about the Chiefs’ 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field, Kelce discussed how he felt to be in his home state of Ohio. Kelce suggested he might have played his lame game in Cleveland.
“And I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll ever play in Cleveland, but it kind of felt like I was, like, giving it one last hoorah before I’m done,” Kelce said. “Because, you know, I’ve only played there twice in 12 years, so unless we get thrown on there in the next couple, I don’t really see it ever happening again. And it was just a special day for me personally, man.”
Kelce used the word “couple,” which indicates he plans on playing for at least two more seasons. However, he could decide to say goodbye if the Chiefs lose in the playoffs or win the three-peat. Or maybe he and Reid will try and chase a four-peat.
NFL Fans react to Kelce’s message
Fans on social media had their takes on what Kelce’s words meant.
“He’s played there 2x in 12 years. Doesn’t mean he’s going to retire rn. Just means he prob won’t play there again. Not much to see here,” wrote a fan.
“I think if we 3 peat this year he will seriously consider retirement at the end of his current contract which ends after next season,” posted ano
Figure we play there once every six years since Cleveland never wins the division. Very reasonable for him to not expect to play there again,” suggested a fan.
“He needs to. Bro is washed,” wrote another.
“I mean, his lady is a billionaire. And he’s a shell of himself. No brainer to retire,” posted a fan.
“I think Kelce will retire next year or in a few years at least, but not because of that comment,” wrote a fan. “That is not a hint that he is going to retire In twelve years he’s played there twice, averaging once every six years. That would mean he expects to have retired in the next 6 years.”
