Travis Kelce's Post-Game Actions After Critical Fumble Branded 'Weak,' As Chiefs Star Risks Punishment

Travis Kelce's struggles against the Texans, including a costly late-game drop, and his startling behavior after the recent game have intensified questions about his future.

With the Chiefs' playoff chances at risk and Kelce showing signs of wear, Patrick Mahomes acknowledged uncertainty about his longtime teammate's next steps.

Several top sports analysts also believe Travis Kelce may retire soon, with Stephen A. Smith recently citing his engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift and his strong prospects in television.

Kelce had one of the roughest nights of his season against the Houston Texans, finishing with just one catch for eight yards on "Sunday Night Football."

The low point came late in the fourth quarter, when he mishandled a routine first-down pass that bounced into a defender's hands. The interception sealed the Chiefs' fate in a game they urgently needed to win.

After the loss, Kelce didn't speak to the media. Reporters noted that Rashee Rice left before the locker room opened, and Kelce turned down interview requests twice, a decision that could come with consequences.

As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk highlighted, per Heavy.com, NFL rules require players to speak with reporters unless they're in concussion protocol.

Kelce has already skipped several media obligations this year, and repeated absences can lead to fines if the league or "the media covering the team complains about it."

News of Kelce's decision to avoid interviews swiftly went viral, causing him to be labeled "weak" by netizens.

According to Sports Illustrated, a person said, "Horrible lack of leadership here. Bunch of front runners."

Another said, "Anyone can show you character when they are winning. Their true character comes out when they are losing, tho."

"I've never played down in the NFL, so I won't pretend to know what losing a game like this feels like," a third fan began. "But think about how many people pulled on their $100 jerseys and spent another $200 to sit in freezing temperatures for more than three hours to watch this team stumble its way out of the postseason. And they can't stand in front of reporters for FIVE MINUTES?"

Meanwhile, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have faced the cameras after every tough loss.

With the Chiefs sitting at 6-7 and their playoff streak in real danger, Kelce avoiding the spotlight raises questions about whether he's growing weary of the scrutiny that comes with being one of the league's most recognizable stars, particularly as his performance begins to show signs of age.

Mahomes even acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Kelce's future, telling reporters, "Every season I've had with him these last few years I've tried to cherish because you never know."

The quarterback continued, "He got himself in great shape this year, and he has played great football, and he'll have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season. But I know one thing, he'll give everything he has the rest of this season to try to give us a chance to make a playoff run."

Beyond football, Florio pointed out that Kelce is already heavily invested in life after the NFL. His "New Heights" podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce, reportedly landed a $100 million deal, positioning him for long-term success in the media landscape.

And prominent voices outside Kansas City are starting to weigh in. Stephen A. Smith shared his perspective on Kelce's possible next chapter, and he believes retirement may be closer than fans think.

Speaking with People Magazine, Smith said Kelce's life outside football, including his engagement to Swift, could factor into the timing of his decision.

Retirement rumors picked up steam after the Chiefs lost to the Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl, but Smith never believed Kelce would walk away then.

"I expected him to be back," Smith noted, adding that he didn't see Kelce ending his career on a performance he'd likely want to forget.

Smith further explained that after this season, the three-time Super Bowl winner has plenty of reasons to consider retiring.

"I think that you could see the handwriting that's on the wall," he said. "The guy is so talented, and there are so many other things that he could do outside of football that now would be the time for him to step away."

Smith emphasized he doesn't have any inside information, just his own observations, but he did mention Kelce's relationship with Swift as part of the picture.

"I will tell you that that's what I think he's going to do," the sports reporter stated. "Obviously, he has a beautiful lady in his life, where there are a lot of good things for him to go home to. And so, because of that, I think the combination of all of those things."

Smith, whose own broadcasting career spans more than two decades with ESPN and beyond, also said Kelce wouldn't have to wait long for his next chapter.

"He would instantly make it in television. Instantly," he explained. "He'll have a job waiting for him the second he's finished. The second he's finished, he'll have a job waiting for him because that's just what he brings to the table."