3 reasons why Travis Kelce should retire after Chiefs’ 3-peat snub
After the unsuccessful run for the historic three-peat, explore three reasons on whether the Chiefs' Travis Kelce should consider retirement.
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Travis Kelce (Via Deadline)
Is it time for Travis Kelce to hang up the cleats? Well, this question has been swirling around in the minds of fans and analysts alike, especially after the unsuccessful run to the historic three-peat against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.
Although the star tight end broke Jerry Rice’s record for most postseason receptions of 33 counts at Super Bowl LIX, his team’s struggle as they remained scoreless till halftime, overshadowed all positive aspects, including their sheer dominance of recent time.
Even though Kelce couldn’t get his dream team (Cincinnati Bengals) to debut in the NFL, he hasn’t left the side of the Kansas City Chiefs who drafted him in the third round. While he already proved to be a prominent tight end, his legacy was established after quarterback Patrick Mahomes was drafted in 2018.
Together, they had a dominating run that saw the Chiefs reach the AFC Championship Game consecutively for seven seasons, hoisted three Vince Lombardi Trophies, and five AFC West titles, and established them as a dynasty.
In a 12-year illustrious career, Kelce has proved himself worthy for future Hall of Fame induction, bringing back the question: is it time for him to walk away from the football field? While the allure of chasing another Super Bowl ring is strong, here are three compelling reasons why the Chiefs superstar tight end should consider retirement:
Relentless physical and emotional toll
The ten-time Pro Bowler himself has acknowledged the brutal wear and tear that comes with consistently playing deep into January and February. As the Super Bowl LIX was the Chiefs’ third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, though they couldn’t win, no team has even been able to appear three in a row.
After a few days to process it, Travis reflected on Super Bowl LIX
— New Heights (@newheightshow) February 12, 2025
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The fact that we keep going to these AFC championships and these Super Bowls, that means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body and it’s a lot of time spent in the building, focusing on your craft, focusing on the task at hand and every challenge that you set up for yourself.
Travis Kelce on one of his episodes of The New Heights podcast
Decline in production
Even though the seven seasons with Mahomes is considered to be Kelce’s prime, his production has shown a decline in recent years, especially the 2024 season. After consistently surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for seven straight seasons from 2016 to 2022, he fell short in both 2023 and 2024.
The three-time Super Bowl champion’s 2024 receiving yards of 823 were his career-lowest since his 2013 rookie season. His Super Bowl LIX, with just four receptions for 39 yards, was also his least-productive in all five Super Bowl appearances in the last six years. As Kelce himself admitted, “As you see yourself or not feel yourself have the success you once had, it’s a tough pill to swallow.”
Opportunities beyond the horizons of Gridiron
While football has been Kelce’s first priority and focus for over a decade, he has cultivated a burgeoning career outside the sport as well. He co-hosts the hugely popular “New Heights” podcast with brother Jason, where he recently signed a whopping $100 deal. He also hosts “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” on Amazon Prime, demonstrating his versatility.
Courtesy of his high-profile relationship with popstar Taylor Swift, he has also suggested finding acting as his new endeavor. Meanwhile, his head coach Andy Reid, who has been with him throughout his NFL career in Kansas City, has advised Kelce to explore coaching post-retirement, believing he is meant to do it. Retiring from the NFL will allow the 35-year-old to find his new passion, and build a brand and legacy that extends beyond the gridiron.
Related: (Video) Patrick Mahomes’ dad almost gets into a brutal fight with MLB star John Rocker at Super Bowl
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2225 Articles Published)