Patrick Mahomes Acknowledges Travis Kelce’s NFL Days Could Be Numbered

Patrick Mahomes admitted this weekend’s AFC Championship Game could be Travis Kelce’s Kansas City swan song. 

As Mahomes, 29, and the Chiefs prepare to host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, January 26, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the quarterback addressed the retirement rumors that have swirled around his tight end. 

“I have no idea. He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that,” Mahomes said Tuesday, January 21 on Kansas City’s 96.5 The Fan. “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.”

In April 2024, Kelce, 35, signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract, keeping him on the Chiefs’ roster until the end of the 2027 season. 

“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,” Mahomes continued. “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.”

If the Chiefs win on Sunday, they would advance to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 9 against the winner of Sunday’s NFC Championship between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. 

Kansas City is attempting to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. 

During an interview with Stephen A. Smith on Wednesday, January 15, Kelce said his attitude about retirement “changes every single day.”

“I’ll re-evaluate it like I always do, and I’ll probably tell myself how much I love this thing, and I’ll come back next year,” Kelce continued. “It’s just something that you have to keep in perspective. I never want to get to the point where I’m not helping this team win.”

Kelce’s stats took a noticeable dip in 2024.he 10-time Pro Bowler earned 823 receiving yards in the regular season, the lowest total of his career, and just three regular season touchdowns — another career low. 

However, Kelce did produce a break-out performance during the Chiefs’ Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 18, amassing 177 yards and one touchdown. 

Whatever decision Kelce makes this offseason, he said he has the full support of his girlfriend, Taylor Swift. 

“She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game,” Kelce told Smith, 57. “She loves coming to Arrowhead and coming to the games and cheering for me so I got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams.”

The Chiefs face the Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 26 at 6:30 pm ET on CBS.