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

[kcbubb]

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.

[CoMoChief]

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?

[Hoover]

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.

[Titty Meat]

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

[Basileus777]

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

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by Hoover

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.

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

[trndobrd]

Originally Posted by Basileus777

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

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.

[Fishels]

I hope so

[Couch-Potato]

Taylor not trying to date and ex-football player

[ChiliConCarnage]

I also like making money

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Chief Ten Beers

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

Originally Posted by Hoover

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.

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

[dlphg9]

Hate that he missed 1000 yds this season.

[dlphg9]

Originally Posted by Chief Ten Beers

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

Andy Reid has to have a statue too.

[trndobrd]

Originally Posted by dlphg9

Andy Reid has to have a statue too.

He will….with hat, headset and playsheet.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

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

Make it a hologram that's always moving.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

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?

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.