Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce told fans what playoff football meant to him ahead of their AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans.
The message came as Kelce was discussing his retirement on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” earlier in the week.
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December 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) watches the action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. (Barry Reeger-Image Images)
“Playoff football is the most meaningful football you’ll ever play in your life,” he said in a video posted to the Chiefs’ Instagram account. “I appreciate every play, man. I really appreciate it. When you’re in this, you’re always trying to strive for greatness.
“Being bigger than you are. You know, obviously there’s a historic streak and something we can accomplish that no other team has ever accomplished. You know, that drives you.”
Kelce admitted on the podcast that he would “re-evaluate” some things come the offseason.
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January 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks on the sideline in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. (Images by Ron Chenoy-Imagn)
“I love everything I’m doing in this building, but at the end of the day I’m not having as much success on the field as I’ve had individually,” Kelce told Smith. “…I’ll re-evaluate it like I always do, and I’ll probably tell myself how much I love this, and I’ll come back next year.
“I still love walking into the building every day, it gets difficult, yes, but I don’t do it for the statistics. I do it for the greatness, the legacy that we have created here in Kansas City.” he added “…I can’t imagine what it would feel like to just be able to say I’m satisfied because I’m still hungry to go get something right now.”
Kelce faced all kinds of criticism during the season, with accusations that he was broke or spending too much time with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift. He still managed 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games.
Even at age 35, Kelce was healthy all season and only missed Week 18 when the Chiefs decided to rest their starters, having already completed a bye week. With the smell of retirement hanging in the air as the season enters the home stretch, Kelce was asked if Swift had any idea he would consider it a career.
Kelce says feeling Swift’s support has been an “amazing experience.” (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Kelce said he has Swift’s support to continue playing if he wants to.
