The legendary career of Travis Kelce is nearing its end. A run of dominance that has stretched on for more than a decade has left Kelce as arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history. But after a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl 59, his future looks murkier than ever.
Before the game was even played, rumors of retirement were making the rounds. Thanks to a decline in production, and at 35, it seemed like a reasonable decision for Kelce to move on to other things in his life. But it looks like the decision-making process will be expedited by the Kansas City Chiefs, who have given their legend a deadline for it.
Kansas City Chiefs Give Travis Kelce a Deadline
Aside from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, Kelce might be the third-most important member of this Chiefs dynasty, which has gone to five Super Bowls in six years and won three. He and Mahomes have connected for the most touchdowns in NFL playoff history with 17, powering them year after year.
However, with retirement at Kelce’s doorstep, the Chiefs have given him a March 14 deadline to know about his decision.
Over the last two seasons, Kelce’s numbers have taken a serious nosedive. This year, he had a career-low 823 yards with just three touchdowns to his name in the regular season.
However, unlike last year, where he turned a subpar regular season into one of the best postseason runs of his career, Kelce was virtually AWOL the entire playoffs. After a dominant start against the Houston Texans, he was a no-show against both the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game and the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.
In those two games combined, Kelce tallied just six receptions for 58 yards. However, if his most recent comments are anything to go by, the 10-time Pro Bowler believes he still has gas left in the tank.
“I think I can play, it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility,” Kelce stated on his “New Heights” podcast. “I’m gonna take some time to figure it out.”
Moreover, Kelce believes he owes it to his teammates to be available wholeheartedly.
“I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back that it’s gonna be a wholehearted decision, and I’m not half-assing it, and I’m fully here for them.”
However, his workload might make the decision far too challenging. Since 2018, when the Chiefs’ dynasty kicked into fifth gear, Kelce has been a part of 21 playoff games, more than a full season. Additionally, with 100+ receptions each since 2015, he leads all players in regular-season receptions.
That kind of exertion can take a toll on anyone, especially someone who is entering his late 30s. On his podcast, the Chiefs’ TE even spoke about the toll the game had taken on him over the last few years.
“That process can be grueling. It can weigh on you. It can make you better, and it could drive you crazy at the same time. Right now, it’s one of those things where it was kind of driving me crazy this year, and I think that it happens as you tail off toward the back nine of your career, as (Scott Van Pelt) would say.”
Before the Super Bowl, it looked likely that Kelce would return for at least one more season. Speaking during Super Bowl media night, he addressed the retirement rumors and hinted as much: “Where will I be in three years? Oh man, I don’t know, hopefully still playing football.”
#Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was asked about the future of his football career:
"Where will I be in 3 years? Hopefully still playing football…For the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football."#SuperBowlLIX | #ChiefsKingdom | @KSHB41 pic.twitter.com/31IIdB3NYy
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) February 4, 2025
But, the nature of the loss (a 40-22 blowout), where Kelce had virtually no impact, might make him reconsider. There’s still a ways to go before the deadline for Kelce to make a decision is upon us. Nevertheless, there is the possibility that the Chiefs’ No. 87 will no longer hit the gridiron.