In what could be his final home game at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas against the Denver Broncos, Travis Kelce shared a special moment with fellow Chiefs legend and tight end Tony Gonzalez before taking the field. The occasion was charged with emotion, as fans and players alike contemplated the possibility of this being Kelce’s last appearance on his home turf.
When asked if he had caught his final pass from close friend Patrick Mahomes, Kelce remained reflective, stating that no matter what, they would always be able to play catch outside of the Chiefs’ field. He acknowledged the deep bond they share and the impact their relationship has had on his career.
Addressing the inevitable question of whether this Christmas game would mark his final run out of the Chiefs’ tunnel, Kelce revealed that the decision is still weighing heavily on him. He mentioned the importance of speaking with his brother, Jason Kelce, who recently retired at the peak of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The two brothers co-host and run the “New Heights” podcast, which has rapidly gained influence in the sports media world since its launch a few years ago—especially notable considering they faced each other in the Super Bowl.
Although Kelce did not confirm that Thursday’s game would be his last, he openly admitted that the end of his illustrious career is near. He shared that he has contemplated retirement several times but was continually drawn back into the spotlight as part of one of the greatest dynasties in American football history.
“I feel like I can’t even look my guy, Coach Andy Reid,” Kelce confessed in a pre-game interview with Amazon Prime. “I feel like I disappoint or I just let him down in some way.”
Kelce’s journey began when the Chiefs drafted him in the 3rd round with the 63rd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft out of the University of Cincinnati. His first professional catch came in 2014, recording three receptions for 49 yards against the Tennessee Titans, with Alex Smith at quarterback. The following year, Kelce earned his first Pro Bowl selection—one of 11 throughout his career.
In 2015, he started all 16 games, amassing 72 receptions for 875 yards and five touchdowns. That breakout season marked the beginning of the Chiefs’ decade-long streak of postseason appearances, including a playoff victory over the Houston Texans before falling to Tom Brady’s New England Patriots in the second round.
Over the years, Kelce has been named a First-Team All-Pro tight end four times, trailing only fellow Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez by two selections.
Looking ahead, Kelce and the Chiefs will travel to Las Vegas next weekend to conclude the 2025 season facing the Raiders.
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https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/travis-kelce-addresses-his-nfl-future-ahead-of-christmas-game-vs-broncos-11270818