Rob Gronkowski Shares A Bold Prediction About Travis Kelce's Future In The NFL

NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski thinks Travis Kelce's time in the NFL is coming to an end. During an appearance on FanDuel TV's "Up & Adams" show with Kay Adams, the Super Bowl champion lauded Kelce, a 13-year veteran, while acknowledging that the 36-year-old could be reaching the end of his career.

As fan speculation about Kelce's future in the NFL continues to swirl, Gronkowski kept it real when asked for his thoughts on what he believes Kelce could do. "My gut tells me about Travis Kelce is that he will not be back next year," he said. "He has had a significant career, Kay. He has had an excellent year once again this year."

Continuing, Gronkowski praised Kelce's skill and ability on the field, noting that the three-time Super Bowl champion is still producing. "And if any team can get the type of production that he's having this year, I mean, I'm talking like 25 other teams would take him in a heartbeat," he said.

However, Gronkowski believes "Father Time has gotten to him a little bit." He added, "In the end, overall, where the Kansas City Chiefs are with Patrick Mahomes getting hurt, with everything else that's going on in Travis Kelce's life, I think this is his last year."

Indeed, the Kansas City Chiefs suffered two devastating blows this past Sunday, as their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, sustained a torn ACL, and they were also knocked out of playoff contention after 10 consecutive years. The team lost a nail-biter against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers.

In videos circulating on social media, Kelce appears crestfallen, hanging his head as he walks past screaming fans. As they fought for his attention, the tight end said, "Not right now, y'all." Another report from The Blast states that Kelce also declined to speak with the media, telling them that it was "not the time."

Kelce was slammed over his decision to avoid the media on a recent episode of ESPN's "First Take" by Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, according to PEOPLE. "Kelce, after he settles down in the locker room, and he says 'Not today, fellas. Not going to talk to you,' the media. Hold on now. Time out!" Russo yelled.

He further criticized Kelce for ignoring the reporters who've invested their time over the past seven months in covering the team. "And you can’t give them three words? You can’t give them ‘Terrible day for us. I don’t know what I’m going to do with my career. Hopefully Pat will be okay,' when you’re walking out the door and you say not today and you don’t talk to the press."

Russo didn't stop there. He also mentioned the Chiefs' game against the Chargers might be one of the last games fans will see Kelce play in, explaining that, alone, that should've been enough for Kelce to put on a brave face. He then turned his attention to Kelce's podcast, "New Heights," after suggesting the "Happy Gilmore 2" star could be saving the news for that.

"Listen, I know, I understand you’ve got your brother and you’ve got your podcast and maybe you want to save the exclusive news. But no serious sports fan listens to that nonsense anyways," he said. "This is a situation here where it’s a Sunday afternoon, we want to hear from you. Mahomes is out for the year, you may not play again. Your season is over. You’ve lost."

Russo noted Mahomes' injury and Kelce's potential retirement are big storylines in Kansas City. "... and you blow everybody off walking off the field and don’t talk to the press and get in the car? That is wrong. That is not the way to do things. You give them five minutes. You give them a couple of sentences for the Chiefs fans."

Gronkowski isn't the only NFL standout with something to say about Kelce's future in the league. His brother, Jason Kelce, also spoke about the Chiefs star's potential plans, saying, "I'm curious too." He added, "In my opinion, to nail that decision, you've got to step away from the game for a little bit."

"Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy that with your coaches," he said. "The team's going to be different whether you come back or not next year. So, enjoy these last three games and then let it sink in. It'll come to you with time."

According to Jason, a former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman, playing in the NFL is an emotional journey for many. "It's been so up and down … They've been close and right now, it's too fresh. You got to step away from it, you got to think about it. Then, it'll come to you," he said.