Travis Kelce walked off the field quietly after the Kansas City Chiefs’ 20-13 Christmas Day loss to the Denver Broncos. As he entered the tunnel at Arrowhead Stadium, for possibly the last time as a Chief, teammates Chris Jones and George Karlaftis were waiting for him. The moment, captured on video, immediately drew attention as questions continue to surround whether Kelce’s 13th NFL season could be his last.
The loss ended a difficult season for Kansas City. Kelce caught three passes on the final drive as the Chiefs attempted a late comeback. During the game, cameras showed him on the sideline with his head down at times. Patrick Mahomes was not on the sideline, watching instead from a suite while recovering from season-ending ACL and LCL injuries.
Chris Jones and Travis Kelce Weigh in on Retirement Talk
Earlier this week, Jones addressed the possibility that this season could be Kelce’s last.
“Ah, man, it’s sad,” Jones said. “I hope it isn’t his last ride, but if it is, I tip my hat off to him. Hell of a career.”
Before kickoff, Kelce spoke directly about his future in a pre-recorded interview that aired on Amazon’s Prime Video. Speaking with Tony Gonzalez, he was asked whether the Christmas Day game could be his final one at Arrowhead Stadium.
“I think I’m still searching for those answers,” Kelce said. “Obviously, the way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth. I feel motivated but I’ve got to make the right decision for me. I gotta hope that if I do wanna come back that the Chiefs are willing to bring me back. It’s a two-way street on that.”
Kelce also acknowledged the disappointment of the season. Despite being named to his 11th Pro Bowl, the Chiefs will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, which was his second year in the league.
Travis Looks to Jason Kelce, While Mahomes Says He Will ‘Cherish’ Their Time
Travis said he has leaned on his brother, former Eagles center Jason Kelce, as he thinks through what comes next.
“I’ve got my brother in my back pocket for those conversations,” Kelce said. “He’s been through it, so it helps.”
He also made it clear his passion for football remains.
“I know when it’s over, it’s over,” Kelce said. “I feel like I still have a lot of love for this game. I feel like if I came back it’d just be to answer that flame in my heart that I still love this thing.”
Mahomes also spoke publicly earlier this month about Kelce’s future.
“Every season that I’ve had with him these last few years, I try to cherish because you never know,” Mahomes said. “He got himself in great shape this year and he’s played great football, and he’ll have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season.”
Mahomes added, “I know one thing is he’ll give everything he has every opportunity he gets.”
Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18 for their final game of the season.
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