The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday during Super Wild Card Weekend. The Chiefs will enter the postseason with less expectation than usual after career-low production from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
Mahomes, a two-time MVP winner, is only 28 years old, playing a position known for longevity. Meanwhile, Kelce posted his lowest receiving yard total since 2015 and will become 35 years old next season. In reference, former superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski retired after his age-32 season. However, Kelce spoke to the media on Thursday, squashing any rumors that he could hang them up sooner rather than later.
Travis Kelce on the possibility of retirement at this point in his 11-year career: "I have no reason to not (keep playing) football. I love it. I love the challenge it gives me every day. … I have no desire to stop anytime soon."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) January 11, 2024
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: Not Planning on Retiring
On Thursday, Kelce spoke to the media, saying, “I have no reason to not (keep playing) football. I love it. I love the challenge it gives me every day. I have no desire to stop anytime soon.”
Kelce posted 984 receiving yards this season, his lowest since his third year in the NFL. His decline in production led to speculation around the star tight end’s retirement, but Kelce has no plans to stop playing anytime soon. Kelce earned Pro Bowl honors this season, his ninth straight with that distinction. Kelce will turn 35 next season. Of the top ten tight ends in receiving yards, only Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, Jackie Smith, Jimmy Graham, and Antonio Gates played past that age.
Kelce fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in eight seasons. He sat during the season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his record streak from the tight end position. Kelce spoke on the record, saying, “I felt I could get some rest. … It never felt right (playing to get 16 yards for another 1,000-yard season). With a short week, I put some good work in with the guys. As a collective unit, we put in a great week of work.”
Kansas City Chiefs: Win AFC West for Eighth Straight Season
The Chiefs finished the season 11-6, winning the AFC West for the eighth straight year. They scored 21.8 points per game, their lowest average since 2012 when the team went 2-14. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes posted a 92.6 quarterback ranking, his lowest since becoming the full-time starter in 2019. Receiver issues plagued the team throughout the season, with drops and missed assignments costing them.
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