Has star Kansas Metropolis Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce performed his final recreation?
Per Professional Soccer Discuss’s Josh Alper, Kelce did not talk about his future after the Chiefs misplaced to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 in Tremendous Bowl LIX on Sunday. In a clip posted to Bleacher Report’s YouTube channel Monday, NFL insider James Palmer stated his sources have steered Kelce will most likely retire this offseason.
Which may be the proper alternative. Listed below are 5 causes Kelce ought to retire:
1. His numbers have dipped over the previous two seasons
From 2016-22, Kelce completed with 1,000 receiving yards or extra every season. Over the previous two seasons, he has didn’t hit that quantity.
In 16 regular-season video games throughout the 2024 season, Kelce had 97 receptions for 823 yards and three landing catches, his fewest since his rookie season in 2013.
Kelce — who turns 36 on Oct. 5 — might proceed to say no in 2025. According to Stathead, no TE has had 1,000 receiving yards in a season at 35 or older in NFL historical past.
2. He has cemented himself as, maybe, the highest pass-catching TE of all time
In a current interview with Complicated Sports activities’ West Wilson, former Patriots TE and future Corridor of Famer Rob Gronkowski stated, “[Kelce is] the most effective receiving tight finish to ever play the sport of soccer.”
Per Pro Football Reference, Kelce ranks third all-time amongst TEs in receptions (1,004) and receiving yards (12,151) and fifth in landing catches (77).
If Kelce retains enjoying, he might match or surpass HOFer Tony Gonzalez’s report for many receiving yards (15,127) for a TE in league historical past. Even when he does not eclipse the mark, Kelce ought to nonetheless be a lock for the HOF.
3. He has received three Tremendous Bowls
The Chiefs might win their fifth title subsequent season. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Ok.C’s Tremendous Bowl LX odds at +650, tied for second with the Baltimore Ravens. Nonetheless, profitable one other Tremendous Bowl could not considerably enhance Kelce’s legacy.
Kelce has fewer Tremendous Bowl rings than Gronkowski (4), however he has the identical variety of first-team All-Professional nods (4) and can also be a member of the HOF’s All-2010s Staff.
4. His sturdiness might change into a priority
In November 2023, Kelce informed J.R. Moehringer of The Wall Avenue Journal he had undergone 10 surgical procedures. Enjoying for yet another season might proceed to take a toll on his physique.
Per Pro Football Reference, Kelce performed on 940 offensive snaps in 2024, the third-most of his profession. Though Kelce solely missed one recreation due to relaxation, it could possibly be tougher for him to remain wholesome, particularly if the Chiefs do not cut back his snap depend.
5. He ought to have monetary safety
In August 2024, Selection’s Todd Spangler reported Kelce and his older brother, former Philadelphia Eagles heart Jason, signed a three-year deal value greater than $100M with Amazon’s Wondery for his or her podcast “New Heights.”
The nine-figure deal added to Travis Kelce’s spectacular monetary portfolio. In September 2024, Forbes listed the TE as its seventh-highest-paid NFL participant ($17M wage/winnings and $35M in endorsements). Spotrac estimates he has earned $93.9M in 12 seasons with the Chiefs.
Courting singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has additionally made Travis Kelce way more well-known, which might result in new profitable alternatives.
