Sunday’s AFC Championship in Kansas City isn’t just an important game for the two-time defending Super Bowl-champion Chiefs. It could also be the last game franchise cornerstone Travis Kelce plays at Arrowhead Stadium.
The likely Hall of Famer is now 35, and while he is under contract through next season, Kelce has a number of off-the-field projects, including a cameo in the upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel.
Such endeavors have naturally led to fears among Chiefs fans that Kelce could bolt Kansas City for Hollywood.
But if they were hoping to get some reassurance from Kelce’s long-time teammate and friend Patrick Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP had none to offer.
‘I have no idea,’ Mahomes told Kansas City’s 96.5 FM ahead of Sunday’s AFC title game against the visiting Buffalo Bills. ‘He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that.
‘I know he signed a two-year extension before the season and he seems like he still loves football, but he also has a great life as well,’ Mahomes continued. ‘Either way, I just appreciate every single time I step on the field with that guy, knowing he’s a true legend of not only the Chiefs, but the NFL. If it’s his last game, let’s go out there and get him a win. If it’s not his last game, let’s go out and win anyways, huh?’
Mahomes’ motivational words aside, the quarterback’s words didn’t inspire hope among the Chiefs faithful.
‘Patrick,’ one fan responded, ‘I don’t like your answer.’
‘Why do I have a feeling that Pat knows something,’ one fan asked.
Some fans rejected the idea wholeheartedly.
‘I’m just going to say… this coming Sunday does not at all feel like Travis Kelce’s last game at Arrowhead,’ wrote Chiefs podcaster Lexi Osborne. ‘But I guess you never know. Praying I’m right. I will never be ready for that day to come…’
One fan made the unavoidable connection to Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
‘I want him to retire on a three-peat so he and Taylor can both retire and get married and have a baby,’ the infatuated supporter wrote on X.
‘I don’t know: billionaire gf, makes great money doing a podcast, broke the record of his idol, assured HOF first ballot,’ another remarked, likely referencing Kelce surpassing Jerry Rice for the most 100-yard receiving games in playoff history last week. ‘What else is there to do?
But many, many more expressed sadness over the mere possibility that Kelce could leave.
‘I can’t even let myself think about it,’ one wrote.
Even at 35, Kelce remained productive, recording 97 receptions and 823 yards on 133 targets. He had only three touchdowns during the regular season, but made up for that on Saturday with a score in the Chiefs’ Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans.
Kelce has shown some more confidence in second stringer Noah Gray this season, completing 40 passes to the tight end for 437 yards and five touchdowns.
