Chiefs Superstar TE Travis Kelce Gives Surprise Update On His Retirement Plans That Suggest He’s Changed His Mind
Travis Kelce (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce gave an update on his long-term NFL plans amid constant retirement speculation.
Travis Kelce made headlines during the 2023 season when he admitted that retirement has been on his mind because of the lingering pain he has endured from a long list of injuries in the NFL.
His older brother, longtime Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, retired earlier this offseason despite still being in his prime. And since Travis has nothing left to prove, it’s easy to wonder if the three-time Super Bowl champion might decide to walk away soon.
But good news, Chiefs fans: Travis Kelce told reporters on Tuesday after minicamp that there are no plans to retire any time soon, per ESPN’s Adam Teicher:
“I love coming to work every single day and doing this, so I am going to do it until the wheels fall off and hopefully that doesn’t happen anytime soon.I can’t put a time frame on it, man…
Obviously I know that there’s opportunities outside of football for me and I think you’ve got to keep in perspective that I’m still a little kid when I come into this building. I know I’m 34 years old, about to be 35, but I have a love to do this right here in the middle of the heat in June.”
Back in April, Kelce and the Chiefs agree to a two-year contract extension worth $34.75 million. The deal keeps the future Hall of Famer under contract through his age-36 2025 season.
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The nine-time Pro Bowler had 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. It marked the first time since 2015 where Kelce didn’t have 1,000 yards receiving, though Kelce missed two regular season games.
For his career, Kelce has 907 receptions for 11,328 yards and 74 touchdowns. Last season, he broke Jerry Rice’s record for most career postseason receptions (151, Kelce is at 165)) and led the Chiefs to the first successful Super Bowl repeat in 19 years.
Travis Kelce Hasn’t Shown Any Signs Of Slowing Down
For those who thought Kelce showed signs of declining during the 2023 regular season, just look at how he produced in the postseason.
The 34-year-old played like an All-Pro through the duration of the postseason, racking up 32 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns. If he plays a full season, you know Kelce will easily hit the 1,000-yard mark again.
Kelce and the Chiefs open their 2024 season against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Kickoff Game on Sept. 5.
