The Kansas City Chiefs’ season is over, and Travis Kelce isn’t ready to make a decision about his football future.
The Chiefs suffered a disappointing 14-12 loss to the 3-14 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, falling out of the playoffs at 6-11 for the first time since Kelce’s second NFL season in 2014. This is unfamiliar territory for Kansas City and Kelce, who faced the same decision last offseason after a Super Bowl loss.
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Kelce talks decision-making process
Kelce spoke with reporters in the postgame locker room on Sunday about his football future and how he will go through the process of making his decision. He said that would start with a meeting with Chiefs management.
“I’m going to spend some time with them, attend the exit meeting tomorrow and stay in close contact with the family and work things out,” Kelce said.
Kelce was then specifically asked if he planned to take some time to shake off the emotions of the season before making a decision. He admits that unlike this year, he knew immediately he wanted to come back.
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“Who knows?” Kells continued. “Either I get hit quickly or I have to take my time. Last year was a little easier. I think I knew right away that I wanted to give it a try. So I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Kelce, 36, is completing his 13th season in the NFL, all with the Chiefs. He has nothing left to achieve on the football field.
Will he or won’t he?
Kelce was a seven-time All-Pro, 11-time Pro Bowler, three-time Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer. According to Spotrac, Kelce has earned more than $111 million in his career, not including his endorsement deals. He is engaged to Taylor Swift.
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If Kelce decides to return, he will do so for the love of the game and for the Chiefs. That might not be as appealing as last season, when the Chiefs were coming off their fifth Super Bowl appearance in six years. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ status for next season is unclear after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in December.
Kelce’s production has declined from All-Pro levels in recent seasons, but he’s still relatively healthy and one of the most productive tight ends in the game. Kelce played in all 17 games this season, catching 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns, and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the 11th consecutive time.
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If Kelce ultimately decides to hang up, he will do so as one of the greatest tight ends in the game.
