(Video) Travis Kelce Was Visibly Emotional During National Anthem in Possibly His Last Ever Game at Arrowhead

Travis Kelce is in his 13th season with the Chiefs which could also turn out to be his final one unless he decides to extend his stay.

(Video) Travis Kelce Was Visibly Emotional During National Anthem in Possibly His Last Ever Game at Arrowhead

An emotional Travis Kelce paid his respects to national anthem prior to playing against the Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium (Image via IMAGO/X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Travis Kelce came to Arrowhead Stadium, put on his Kansas City Chiefs jersey and pads, walked down the tunnel, and paid his respects during the national anthem. This may have been the final time he did all of this.

Kelce and the Chiefs found themselves in such a situation after the Los Angeles Chargers ended their playoff dreams earlier this month. A team that had won three of the last six Super Bowls would no longer be part of this year’s event.

Of course, Kelce planned to retire with the Lombardi Trophy in his hands, which eluded him last campaign. He dreamed of a fairy tale ending but failed to deliver on it. That’s not entirely his fault. As a matter of fact, the 36-year-old led the Chiefs receivers in yards and receptions prior to facing the Broncos on Christmas Day.

Kelce capped one of his best games of the year against the Broncos in Week 11. He went 9 for 91 yards and scored one touchdown. Kelce’s highlight reel is filled with great plays against the Mile High franchise.

According to StatMuse, Kelce had accumulated 130+ catches, 1600+ yards, and 8 touchdowns in 21 previous appearances against the Chiefs’ divisional rivals. A big outing was expected in the Chiefs’ own backyard, even though they were down to their third-choice quarterback, Chris Oladokun.

On Christmas Eve, Kelce participated in an interview with Hall of Fame tight end and former Chiefs player Tony Gonzalez, hosted by Amazon Prime. During the conversation, the 11-time Pro Bowler shared his experience of playing in front of a capacity crowd at KC.

Arrowhead being Arrowhead man. The gameday atmosphere, playing in front of them, getting a first down, getting a touchdown and see them go crazy, those will be the memories I will cherish, you know, no matter when I hang’em up [retire]. I’ll be old and gray, thinking about those moments.

Travis Kelce told Tony Gonzalez

A day later, Prime cameras followed Kelce’s every movement as he lined up for the national anthem before kickoff.

Travis Kelce has left an everlasting impression on the Chiefs’ locker room

The Chiefs lost 13-20 and fell to 6-10 for the season. It was their fifth straight defeat since a 23-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.

(Video) Travis Kelce Was Visibly Emotional During National Anthem in Possibly His Last Ever Game at Arrowhead
Travis Kelce (Image via IMAGO)

Oladokun completed 13 passes from 22 attempts for 66 yards and 1 touchdown in his first-ever start for KC. After the game, reporters asked the former seventh-round draft pick about Kelce possibly playing for the final time in Kansas City.

Hopefully it’s not his last year. He will make that decision in the offseason. Obviously, everyone in the Chiefs kingdom would love to have him back. The game loves and needs Trav, so we’ll see. He’ll make that decision.

Oladokun said via McKenzie Nelson of KSHB41

Kelce finished with 5 catches for 36 yards. His best moment came with just under one minute until the final whistle when Oladokun connected with the big tight end for a 14-yard gain.

He’s the greatest tight end of all time, I’d be a fool not to lean on him a little bit… Even the quarter where he didn’t get a reception, he’s still in my ear telling me we’re going to get this thing going.

Oladokun quipped via Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports

Respect is a two-way business, and Kelce had plenty to shower on the South Dakota State alumnus. Kelce praised Oladokun for keeping his cool enough to recover his own fumble and complete a pass.

First Time I had ever seen someone draw the defense to him by fumbling it. That was, like a little yo-yo trick he put on there. Nah [jokes aside] I am proud of him, man. Throughout the week, he’s attention to detail, his professionalism, his leadership… Couldn’t be more happier for the guy.

Kelce said

Kelce is in the final year of his two-year contract, which ends after the Raiders game next week, as there’s no playoff football to look forward to. If he chooses to return, the Chiefs could offer a contract to one of the club’s greatest players.

Also Read: