Mahomes Speaks Out: Will Kelce Retire After This Season?
Mahomes Addresses Kelce’s Potential Retirement: “Let’s Send Him Out on Top”
Kansas City, MO – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding tight end Travis Kelce’s potential retirement following the 2024 season.
During an interview on 96.5 The Fan on Tuesday, Mahomes acknowledged the possibility of Kelce retiring but emphasized that he hasn’t discussed the matter with his teammate.
“I have no idea. He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that,” Mahomes said. “If it is his last game, let’s go out there and get him a win. If it’s not his last game, let’s go out and get him a win anyway.”
Mahomes noted that Kelce is under contract through the 2025 season but also recognized that the tight end has achieved significant success both on and off the field.
“He signed a two-year extension before the season. It seems like he still loves football. But he also has a great life, as well,” Mahomes said.
Kelce Hints at Potential Retirement
Kelce himself hinted at the possibility of retirement during an interview on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” earlier this month.
“I love everything that I’m doing in this building, but at the end of the day I’m not having that extreme success on the field as I have individually,” Kelce said. “I’ll re-evaluate it like I always do, and I’ll probably tell myself how much I love this thing, and I’ll come back next year.”
Following the Chiefs’ recent playoff victory over the Houston Texans, Kelce further fueled retirement speculation with a cryptic message on social media.
“Playoff football is the most meaningful football that you’ll ever play in your life,” he said in a video posted to the Chiefs’ Instagram account. “I cherish every single play, man. I really do. When you’re in it, you’re always trying to strive for greatness.”
Mahomes and Kelce: A Dynamic Duo
Mahomes and Kelce have formed one of the most prolific quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history, leading the Chiefs to three Super Bowl victories. Their partnership, combined with Kelce’s growing celebrity, has significantly increased the Chiefs’ popularity across the country.
“Either way, I just appreciate every time I step onto the field with that guy knowing that he’s a true legend of not only the Chiefs, but of the NFL,” Mahomes said.
Looking Ahead:
The Chiefs will face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Whether this is Kelce’s final playoff run or not, Mahomes and the Chiefs are focused on achieving a historic fourth consecutive Super Bowl victory.
