Oct 27, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) pose after the game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Ex-NFL QB says Travis Kelce retirement “a very real thing” if Chiefs win Super Bowl three-peat

Kelce's retirement possible after Super Bowl three-peat, says Orlovsky.

Travis Kelce is no stranger to being in the spotlight. As one of the most decorated tight ends in NFL history, his career is now under scrutiny for reasons beyond his legendary performances. At 35, retirement rumors loom large, fueled by his declining stats and the Kansas City Chiefs’ bid for an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat.

Is this the end of an era for Kelce?

Kelce’s production this season has taken a hit. His 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns mark career lows, a far cry from his usual dominance. Despite these numbers, analysts believe Kelce remains a game-changer. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky recently shared on ESPN’s First Take:

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky forsees one last great run for Travis Kelce before retirement.

-Via @FirstTake pic.twitter.com/ybzPgtiR1V
— Starcade Media (@StarcadeMediaKC) January 16, 2025

“If he goes and has that vintage Kelce performance… and they go on to three-peat, I think retirement becomes a very real thing for Travis Kelce.”

Orlovsky’s sentiment isn’t unique. FS1’s Nick Wright echoed similar thoughts, stating:

“These might be his final three games in the NFL. It’s certainly on the board.”

Kelce addresses the retirement buzz

While the speculation swirls, Kelce hasn’t confirmed his plans. Earlier this year, he said he’d play until the “wheels fall off.” On The Stephen A. Smith Show, he admitted he would reassess after the season and shared that girlfriend Taylor Swift encouraged him to keep playing.

Kelce himself acknowledged the difficulty of stepping away:
“It gives me a purpose to go about my day… It’s going to be hard to figure out when to call it quits.”

A Hall of Fame career in the making

If this season marks the end for Kelce, his legacy is cemented. With 1,004 receptions, 12,151 yards, 79 touchdowns, 10 Pro Bowl appearances, and four First-Team All-Pro honors, his Hall of Fame induction is a lock. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ success, culminating in two Super Bowl victories.

Patrick Mahomes said the #chiefs will 3 peat. “Don’t get it twisted.” pic.twitter.com/Ao7MkTKqMp
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) February 14, 2024

Kansas City enters the playoffs as the AFC’s top seed. The team boasts defensive improvements and Mahomes’ continued excellence. Kelce remains vital, his leadership as crucial as his on-field contributions.

What’s next for the Chiefs—and Kelce?

As the Chiefs aim for history, Kelce’s future hangs in the balance. Whether he decides to retire or continue, the upcoming games could define not just his season but his entire career. Chiefs fans, players, and analysts alike are bracing for what could be an emotional farewell to one of the NFL’s greatest.

Kelce’s decision will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, signaling either the closing of an extraordinary chapter or the continuation of a legacy unlike any other.

Image: Imagn

Dan Orlovsky

Travis Kelce

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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