Travis Kelce’s 13th NFL season came to a quiet close on Sunday, and so did a disappointing year for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City dropped a 14-12 decision to the Las Vegas Raiders in a game that carried no playoff implications. Still, it was a missed chance for the Chiefs to end the season on a positive note. Instead, the loss capped a six-game skid and gave the Raiders just their third win of the year.
Kelce’s afternoon mirrored the Chiefs’ struggles. The 11-time Pro Bowler finished with three catches for 12 yards as Kansas City failed to find any late momentum.
After the game, attention quickly shifted away from the final score. Reporters surrounded the 36-year-old veteran with one main topic in mind: his future.
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Speaks Out on Future in the NFL
Kelce didn’t offer a clear answer on what he plans to do. As he has done repeatedly in recent weeks, he avoided committing either way and said he would address retirement when the time feels right.
What he didn’t do, however, was shut the door on a return.
When asked if he felt he met his goals this season, Kelce acknowledged the team’s shortcomings while standing by his own preparation.
“Yeah, obviously we didn’t do as well as a team, but I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock and roll with the right intentions,” Kelce said, per Jesse Newell of The Athletic. “And the ball just didn’t go our way in a lot of those close games, unfortunately.”
Kelce then added a telling follow-up: ““”And I think if I do choose to come back, that’s something I really gotta focus on and making sure that I’m available and that I’m ready for those moments.”
That comment stood out. Kelce openly referenced a potential return and pointed to an area he wants to improve if he does come back — performance in close games.
Kansas City finished the season 1-9 in one-score contests, including Sunday’s loss. It’s a stat that clearly still weighs on Kelce as he heads into a pivotal offseason.
No decision has been made, and no promises were offered. But Kelce’s willingness to talk about adjustments and unfinished business suggests retirement isn’t a certainty just yet.
