Insiders Close To Travis Kelce Reveal True Feelings About Retirement

Just days before the Super Bowl, Travis Kelce had hinted at the possibility of playing for three more years while in New Orleans.

He has broken numerous records throughout his NFL career and helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls. However, bombshell reports emerged before Super Bowl LIX kickoff, suggesting that the big game could be Kelce’s final game.

Following the Chiefs’ 40-22 defeat at the Superdome, Travis Kelce openly admitted that retirement was on his mind.

Over recent weeks, The Daily Mail has spoken with Patrick Mahomes and other Chiefs players and coaches about Kelce’s career longevity. Many believe that, despite his age, he still has plenty left in the tank.

"He can play as long as he wants to," Mahomes said of his teammate and close friend.

Another teammate suggested Kelce could play "another 10 years."

Speaking on his "New Heights" podcast, Kelce shed light on the toll that years of postseason success have taken on his body.

"The fact that we keep going to these AFC Championships and Super Bowls means I'm playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league," he said. "That's a lot of wear and tear on your body. It's a lot of time spent in the building, focusing on your craft, focusing on the task at hand, every challenge that you set for yourself. That process can be grueling."

He continued, "It can weigh on you. It can make you better and it can drive you crazy at the same time. It was kind of driving me crazy this year."

Reports initially claimed that Kelce had until March 14 to make his decision about returning for another season. However, last week, his brother Jason Kelce suggested that, deep down, Travis had already made up his mind.

Kelce himself credits his ability to stay on the field to a meticulous routine and proper injury prevention.

"I have a good routine set for myself. I try and keep myself out of certain situations on the field, and on top of that, I just make sure that I'm always activating certain muscles and reducing the opportunity for me to get injured. That's the biggest thing," he told Daily Mail.

He also gave a nod to Alex Skacel, his trainer since 2017, and David Glover, his go-to specialist with the Chiefs.

"I lean on them whenever I do feel discomfort, and just try to grind it out," he said. "You've signed up for the gig so you have to do it."

As speculation continues to swirl around Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL, those closest to him have nothing but admiration for his ability to balance stardom, football, and personal life.

Chiefs linebackers coach Brendan Daly, who previously worked with Tom Brady during his time with the New England Patriots, sees a striking similarity between the two athletes.

"Tom had an innate ability to do that as well," Daly told Daily Mail, referring to Kelce’s ability to juggle intense media scrutiny and his on-field performance. He added that, in many ways, football is Kelce’s escape from the chaos of his ever-growing fame.

"With all that he's got going on, and I think Tom probably fit this bill as well, when they come into the building, that's a sanctuary for them. That's when they are able to be who they are and get away from all of the other stuff. They're able to be with their teammates, coaches, and let their guard down and focus on what they love."

Daly acknowledged that the level of fame Kelce has reached, especially with his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, comes with major drawbacks. "You absolutely see that with Travis, for sure, and Patrick," he said. "Those guys can't go to the grocery store and get milk in the morning. To be quite honest, I don't necessarily envy that part of their life."

Patrick Mahomes, who has formed one of the most dominant quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history alongside Kelce, echoed Daly’s thoughts. Mahomes believes it’s not just about stats or legacy for Kelce, and it’s about the camaraderie in the locker room and the love of the game.

"He's focused on the ultimate mission of being the best football player that he can be," Mahomes said. "More than anything, more than I think he wants to even do it for himself, he just loves being in the building with his teammates and being a part of that."

Travis Kelce has until March 14 to make a decision.