Patrick Mahomes reveals he doesn’t know whether Travis Kelce will retire from the NFL, as rumors continue to swirl the Kansas City Chiefs‘ legendary tight end could call time on his illustrious career at the age of 35.
A tough regular season saw questions of whether he was physically up to the pace of professional football, or whether he had become too distracted by his romance with Taylor Swift and other off-field ventures to have the same fire as previous seasons.
He produced just three touchdowns and 823 yards on 97 receptions in the regular season, and at times didn’t even seem to be his quarterback’s preferred tight end target compared to the younger Noah Gray.
Yet the script was flipped the moment the NFL Playoffs hit Missouri for the AFC Divisional game with the Houston Texans, as the veteran produced 117 yards from seven receptions for one touchdown and demonstrated he still has what it takes.
So now the question still remains whether he will decide to spot, or see out his contract at the Arrowhead Stadium, and Mahomes gave a worrying sign his friend may not be spotted in red and white next year.
“I have no idea. He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that,” Mahomes told reporters of Kelce’s potential retirement. “I know 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. 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.
“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.”
Kelce had penned a two-year $34.25 million deal with the Chiefs to remain at the Arrowhead Stadium until 2026. He will be 36 when the contract expires.
The oldest tight end to ever play is Marcedes Lewis, who has made it into his age 40 season with the Chicago Bears.
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When is the AFC Championship game?
The Kansas City Chiefs edged out the Texans 23-14 to progress to the AFC Championship game, where they will take on Buffalo Bills on January 26 at the Arrowhead Stadium. Kick-off is from 18:30 ET/15:30 PT.
Josh Allen’s side beat Patrick Mahomes in November, but the 28-year-old quarterback is yet to beat the three-time Super Bowl champion in any NFL Playoffs game from three attempts.