Kelce, “I have no reason to stop playing.”
 

https://www.profootballrumors.com/20...o-stop-playing

Tonight’s wild-card game marks another opportunity for the Chiefs to continue building their track record of success established during the Patrick Mahomes era. Tight end Travis Kelce has of course been a major part of the team’s Super Bowl runs, but questions have been raised about how much longer his decorated career will last.

The 34-year-old sat out Kansas City’s regular season finale, leaving him just shy of another 1,000-yard campaign. Kelce eclipsed that benchmark every year from 2016-22, picking up at least a Pro Bowl nod in each campaign along the way. He has also been named first-team All-Pro four times in his career, one which includes a pair of championships. When speaking in advance of the team’s latest postseason beginning, though, he made it clear he intends to continue for the foreseeable future.

“I have no reason to stop playing football, man,” Kelce said, via Nick Wagner of the Kansas City Star (video link). “I love it. We still have success. Come in with the right mindset, and I just love the challenge it gives me every single day to try and be at my best. Like I said, I have no desire to stop anytime soon.”

Kelce has two years remaining on his contract, and he is due $30.25MM over that span. As he acknowledged this summer, he is aware his compensation is lacking relative to many other high-profile pass catchers. However, he is in line to remain a focal point of the team’s offense for the time being with cap hits of roughly $15.5MM and $19.8MM over the next two years. Barring a significant injury, he will no doubt remain a welcomed member of the Chiefs given his sustained high level of productivity.

The former third-rounder currently ranks 38th on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list, and fourth amongst active players. Kelce sits at 11,328 yards, putting him just shy of Antonio Gates for the third-most by a tight end. If he holds true to his intention of carrying on his career, he will continue to climb the leaderboards while providing Mahomes a consistent option in the passing game as Kanas City looks to add further silverware in the years to come.

You're my boy, El Travador.

I hope the off-season provides good healing for his knee & ankle issue. Come back next season much healthier.

With any luck he soldiers on for several more years ala Antonio Gates

Even though he's slowing down, his savvy can still allow him to be lethal in more limited duty

He needs to surpass the career playoff receptions record by at least 20, give himself some distance so the record is never broken once he has it. It’s going to be amazing the day that happens.

Kelce, “I have no reason to stop playing.”
 

He will be much better next year as the offense moves from being so reliant on him with some better receivers.

If being an NFL player results in him getting his crank serviced by a certain pop star, you damn well know he'll keep playing.

Looks like Taylor said "no".

A looooooot of bitches were pretty mopey and predicting he'd retire this year not more than a week ago.

RunKC? How about it?

He can play for years to come. Tony G was putting up 80 catches at 37.

We have Prime Game Wrecking Kelce for two more seasons, maybe three.

Maybe because he was previously quoted in an article saying that he thinks about retirement alot?

Kelce either retires after his contract expires or the Chiefs give him another 2yr deal. I dont think he plays after 2027, and I cant see a scenario where the Chiefs or Mahomes allow him to be traded/walk.

I'll be honest. He's looked considerably slower this season. Body's been breaking down, he's beat up toughing shit out and will probably need some kind of medical procedure done on that knee in offseason.

Should we expect him to be the same Kelce coming into next season a year older being his knee's been repaired?

There needs to be two statues in front of the new stadium. One of Mahomes throwing the ball to the other one of Travis Kelce.

Dude is a Chief. Will always be a Chief. One of the greatest.

He's got a few more years left on his contract he ain't walking away from that money

He's not retiring while he has the chance to win more titles

Literally the greatest idea ever, dead serious... Pat poised to throw a dart, Kelce leaping for it 20 yards away

This.

As long as his body holds up and the Chiefs remain a SB contender he will keep playing.

If the Chiefs add another legit WR to Rice, Kelce can play without constantly being double/triple teamed. Hopefully avoid injury.

I hope so

Taylor not trying to date and ex-football player

I also like making money

Maybe there are three statues. Kelce, Mahomes, and a football flying through the air between them.

Hate that he missed 1000 yds this season.

Andy Reid has to have a statue too.

He will….with hat, headset and playsheet.

Make it a hologram that's always moving.

No, he will never be the same kelce. But kelce without being bracketed constantly has still a lot of run left. Get him healthier, give him some goddamn help, and start managing his workload.

Kelce carried the offense earlier in the year. Even more so than he normally does as we had no one else to throw the ball to.

I think that contributed to his perceived slow down more than his age. He was getting beat to shit by teams that dared us to throw to someone else.

His decision to sit the Chargers game with only 16 yards to 1K is proof of this. He needs to heal for the playoffs more than he wants the record extended.

Thats the kind of guy we have! Incredible!

He will be the same Kelce next year and with some other guys to take some of the heat off him, it could add years to his career.

Me too