Travis Kelce drops retirement hint after homecoming Chiefs win

Sunday’s Game in Ohio a “Surreal” Experience for Chiefs’ Travis Kelce

Star Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce described Sunday’s game in his native Ohio as “surreal.” The Kansas City team secured a 21-7 victory over the Browns, with Kelce, who hails from Cleveland Heights, reflecting on the experience on his “New Heights” podcast. He expressed uncertainty about whether it might be his last time playing in Cleveland as he completes his 12th season in the league.

Kelce shared, “It felt so surreal. I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll play in Cleveland but it kinda felt like I was giving it one last hoorah before I’m done because I’ve only played there twice in 12 years… It was a special day for me personally.” During the game, Kelce made four receptions for 27 yards at Huntington Bank Field.

Speculation about retirement has surrounded Kelce, aged 35, especially as he aims for his third consecutive Super Bowl win with the Chiefs and his fourth overall.

Kelce, whose fame has soared due to his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, addressed retirement possibilities during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” in September, stating, “I’m still enjoying coming to work. I’m not dreading practice. I’m just having so much fun and just so appreciative and so fortunate that I’ve been able to come into year 12 and still have this energy and this love and the ability to get to work.”

Despite a statistically down year for Kelce in 2024 (84 receptions for 709 yards and two touchdowns through 14 games), the All-Pro tight end remains a formidable presence on the field. He recently became the fastest tight end to reach 12,000 yards.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs face a tough schedule in the next two weeks. They will host the Texans on Saturday before heading to Pittsburgh for a Christmas matchup against the Steelers on Wednesday. The regular season will conclude for Kansas City with a game in Denver on Sunday, Jan. 5.