The Chiefs, missing several of their top players due to injury designations, fought valiantly against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, their division rival and one of the best teams in the AFC this season.

But Kansas City still fell by a touchdown, losing 20-13 and dropping its fifth consecutive game in what has been a downward spiral since even before quarterback Patrick Mahomes was lost for the season due to ACL and LCL tears in Week 16.

Kelce finished the night with a modest stat line of five receptions for 36 yards, playing alongside third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun in the first start of his professional tenure.

Following the game, reporters asked Kelce different versions of the same question he’s gotten for weeks — will he retire after the season ends? Though Kelce has declined to speak to the media following multiple losses down the stretch, he stood at the podium Thursday night and initially answered that question with a joke.

“The only time it ever crossed my mind was when I was driving in the other day and I saw how much the Powerball was,” Kelce said with a laugh. “And I was like, ‘Man, if I could just win that, I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life.'”

But after a follow-up inquiry, Kelce gave a thoughtful and candid answer, even if not one that illuminated his current situation any further.

“Honestly, I’ve been just focused on trying to win football games, man,” Kelce continued. “I’ll let that be a decision I make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes.”

Kelce has one game left to play this season and is not under contract in 2026. He is 36 years old and will end up in the pro football Hall of Fame, likely as a first-ballot entrant, five years after whenever he decides to move on from the sport.