Travis Kelce may play in his final home game with the Kansas City Chiefs, admitting he’s still considering retiring from the NFL.
The Chiefs tight end had just five catches for 36 yards in the 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos, playing alongside third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun as Patrick Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew were out with knee injuries.
But some of those catches came in the closing minutes and nearly brought Kansas City back in what would be a surprising upset of the Broncos.
The four-time All-Pro is expected to announce soon whether he will retire after the season, but he could have hung up his cleats a few weeks ago when the reigning AFC champions were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in a decade.
Instead, Kelce, 36, who has appeared in five Super Bowls, including the last three, and won three championship rings, showed he was too proud to quit after a losing season.
He was one of the few bright spots on Christmas Day for an offense that gained 139 total yards in last week’s humiliating loss to lowly Tennessee.
Kelce could play in his final NFL game next Sunday
“There’s a lot of emotion. Everyone in the world is watching you,” Kelce said.
“You get to be in the game on prime-time TV with these young players. They’re getting a chance to get a taste of what life is like here in the NFL.”
When asked if he played in his final home game, he added, “That will be a decision I will make when the time comes, in consultation with my family, friends and the Chiefs organization.”
Kelce was the last player introduced Thursday night after Oladokun, who emerged from the tunnel in the corner of Arrowhead Stadium.
As red lights flashed across the field, Kelce emerged from the mist with his signature bow and arrow entrance gesture to the festive crowd, who predictably erupted in jubilation — perhaps for the last time — as No. 87 appeared on the field.
Kelce played in 97 games at Arrowhead Stadium during his 13-year career.
“There are only a few moments when you get to stand there and appreciate the support of 70,000 Chiefs fans. I always cherish those moments,” he said.
“I feel the happiness and the love (of the fans) across generations. It’s a beautiful thing, man. Whether it’s coming out of the tunnel or making a big play for them, that’s something I know I’ll cherish forever. That’s why we love Arrowhead.”
Kelce played in 97 games inside the stadium during his 13-year career. He caught 645 passes there, including the playoffs, the third-most by a player in a single stadium since the AFL-NFL merger, behind Jerry Rice and Larry Fitzgerald.
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Best play of the season so far: Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Kelce collaboration
Now, the question is whether Kelce will play in the Chiefs’ final game of the season in Las Vegas next week. He needs just 10 yards receiving to reach 13,000 yards in his career, and catching a pass in his 191st game could extend his franchise record and longest streak in the NFL.
It’s also possible that the Chiefs could come away with a win instead of losing five and seven of their past eight games, which they are currently in. Or he could surprise everyone and come back for another year.
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones made his desire clear, saying, “We’ve been through a lot together.” “Just one more (season). Just one more.”
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