Travis Kelce isn’t on the verge of retirement, but the Kansas City Chiefs star admits he has more professional options following his appearance on Saturday Night Live last March.
Kelce was asked about his future plans on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s playoff game against the visiting Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium, where temperatures are expected to fall below zero.
‘I have no reason to stop playing football,’ Kelce told reporters Thursday. ‘I love it, we still have success, come in with the right mindset.’
When asked what he’d do if he weren’t playing football, Kelce explained he does have an off-season to pursue those interests.
‘That’s the point of the off-season,’ Kelce said. ‘Being able to get out there and really finding what you love to do. I’ve been fortunate to do a few things outside of the sports world that I’ve been enjoying doing, like getting on camera. The SNL stuff kind of opened up a new happiness and new career path for me.
‘It’s funny for me to even say that at this point of my career, because it’s so much further down the road.’
Rumors that Kelce could consider retirement have been kicking about since he began dating Taylor Swift, who obviously has her own busy career to worry about.
The 34-year-old Cleveland native remains one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL.
He trailed only San Francisco’s George Kittle in receiving yards among tight ends in 2023, while finishing third with 93 receptions for the year.
He’s also been instrumental in the Chiefs’ success in 2023, leading the team with 984 receiving yards for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Swift could well be at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday night for the win-or-bust game but will need to wrap up warm.
Temperatures could plunge to around -5 for the visit of the Dolphins. In the regular season, the Chiefs beat the Dolphins 21-14 in Germany and last year’s Super Bowl winners need a repeat of that game to keep their season going.
