There have been rumors floating around for the past couple of seasons relating to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce contemplating retirement. There was the belief that he would step away from the game following a Super Bowl victory.
That was not the case, as Kelce and the Chiefs were trounced by the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX with a final score of 40-22. Though some players spoke about the loss, including Patrick Mahomes, everyone was waiting to hear what Kelce had to say considering he has one of the most popular podcasts.
That has finally happened, as Travis and Jason spoke about the Super Bowl on their “New Heights” podcast. Travis naturally goes into the feelings of losing the big game and surprisingly goes into a bit more about potentially retiring.
When speaking to Jason, Travis spoke in length about the mental and physical toll that the game has taken on him. That has especially been true since the Chiefs have been involved in the playoffs and Super Bowl for the past seven years with
“It’s gonna sting. I know everybody wants to know if I’m playing next year. Right now I’m just kicking everything down the road. Kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions. Right now, the biggest thing is being there for my teammates, being there for my coaches, and understanding that there is a lot that goes into this thing.
I’ve been fortunate over the past five, six years, I’ve played more football than anybody. That’s because of the people that are in that building. The fact that we have been going to these AFC Championships and these Super Bowls. That means I am playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body, and a lot of time spent in that building. Focusing on your craft, focusing on the task at hand, every challenge that you set up for yourself.
And that process can be grueling. It can weigh on you. It can make you better, or it can drive you crazy at the same time. Right now, it was one of those things where it was kinda driving me crazy this year…”
Travis was honest about the impact that playing in the playoffs and Super Bowl has taken on him. It’s understandable that he would want to reassess and is still considering retirement.
Travis has spent 11 seasons in the NFL, all of which he has been playing at a high level. He is one of the best tight ends the league has ever seen.
Should Travis walk away from football he will be ranked among the best at the position. He sits at No. 6 all-time in touchdowns with 80, No. 3 all-time in receiving yards with 12,151, and No. 3 all-time in receptions with 1,004.
It sounds like Travis will consider his decision greatly before he formally retires from the game of football. For now, it sounds like he plans to take some time off to truly decide if he will return in 2025.
