There are several storylines to follow in Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, but the most intriguing ones seem to revolve around Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
The 35-year-old All-Pro’s girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift, will be in attendance, and she will likely get plenty of airtime during the broadcast as she has during most Chiefs games this season.
And while many are wondering if Kelce will propose to Swift after the game if the Chiefs do, in fact, win and become the first team in NFL history to three-peat as Super Bowl champions, there is one other big question looming concerning Kelce.
It’s no secret the seven-time All-Pro had arguably the worst season of his career (or at least since his rookie year in 2014), and with a burgeoning acting career on the side and a flourishing podcast with his brother Jason, Kelce has no shortage of things to keep him busy outside of football.
Some believe this season could be Kelce’s last, especially if Kansas City wins its third straight Super Bowl championship, which would set Kelce up to ride off into the sunset with four Super Bowls, a Hall of Fame career, and a life most would be jealous of waiting for him after football.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during Super Bowl LIX Opening Night at Ceasars Superdome.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during Super Bowl LIX Opening Night at Ceasars Superdome.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
And while the retirement question is one that won’t go away until he gives a point-blank answer, some fans believe Kelce actually alluded to the fact that he’s leaning toward retiring during Super Bowl Media Day on Monday in New Orleans.
“I feel like I have a lot of good football in me, but we’ll see what happens,” Kelce told reporters about possibly retiring. “I have a lot of other opportunities in my life.”
While Kelce’s response was noncommittal, fans on social media are convinced he was actually indirectly telling fans what way he’s leaning.
“TRAVIS KELCE DON’T YOU DARE,” one fan wrote.
“[Expletive] I can’t handle this yet I might never be able to handle his retirement please one more year goat,” another fan added.
“Don’t do this to me man 😭…,” a third fan exclaimed.
“No😭 don’t even say it,” remarked one user.
“This just broke me,” a second user replied.
“One more season. please. just one. 🙏🏼 🥹,” another fan begged.
“I don’t like your tone sir,” one user proclaimed.
Kelce admitted a few weeks ago during an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” that he will likely go back and forth during the offseason about whether or not he will come back in 2025.
He also made it clear that if he does retire, it won’t be because of Swift, who he says has encouraged him to keep playing for as long as he wants.