Has star Kansas Metropolis Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce performed his final sport?
Per Professional Soccer Discuss’s Josh Alper, Kelce did not focus on 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 mentioned his sources have steered Kelce will in all probability retire this offseason.
That could be the suitable alternative. Listed here 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 did not 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 mentioned, “[Kelce is] the very best 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 file for many receiving yards (15,127) for a TE in league historical past. Even when he would not eclipse the mark, Kelce ought to nonetheless be a lock for the HOF.
3. He has gained 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 Group.
4. His sturdiness might grow to be a priority
In November 2023, Kelce instructed J.R. Moehringer of The Wall Avenue Journal he had undergone 10 surgical procedures. Taking part in for 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 sport due to relaxation, it might be more durable for him to remain wholesome, particularly if the Chiefs do not cut back his snap rely.
5. He ought to have monetary safety
In August 2024, Selection’s Todd Spangler reported Kelce and his older brother, former Philadelphia Eagles middle Jason, signed a three-year deal price 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.
Relationship singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has additionally made Travis Kelce way more well-known, which might result in new profitable alternatives.
