Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hinted that the end of an era could be upon us as his team prepares to play their final home game of the season.
The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, in what might be Travis Kelce’s final game at Arrowhead Stadium as he mulls retirement.
“I think his numbers and personality and the person, I think, speak for themselves,” Reid, 67, told reporters on Tuesday, December 23. “He’s a phenomenal person. He’s great for the community [and] has been great for the community. He’s everything you want from a player representing an organization.”
When asked specifically if he knows whether Sunday will be a Kansas City swan song for Kelce, 36, Reid said, “I don’t know if it is or not. I haven’t talked to him.”
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The Chiefs will end the season on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4. For the first time since 2014, they will not be playing in the postseason.
Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones, who has played with Kelce since 2016, was also asked about the potential significance of the home finale.
“Man, it’s sad,” Jones, 31, told reporters on Monday, December 22. “To be able to be here with my brother and to be able to share the field with him, I hope it isn’t his last ride. But if it is, I tip my hat off to him. Hell of a career.”
Kelce skirted around the retirement issue the last time he was in front of reporters on Friday, December 19, saying, “I think I’d rather just keep the focus of the media and everything on this team right now.”
“All the conversations that I have with the team and everything moving forward will be with them,” Kelce added.
Kelce’s older brother, Jason — who retired in March 2024 after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles — recently said he was “curious” to see what decision Travis will make.
“In my opinion, to nail that decision, you have to step away from the game for a little bit,” Jason, 38, said December 15 on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. “Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coaches. The team’s going to be different no matter whether you come back or not next year.”
Jason urged his brother to “enjoy” the time he had left before rushing into anything.
“It will come to you with time.” Jason explained. “There are so many emotions with this game right after a season, especially with the way this one’s been.”
It took Jason nearly two months to officially announce his retirement after the Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January 2024.
The Chiefs are currently 6-9, losers of six of their last seven games. To make matters worse, Kansas City’s starting quarterback and Travis’ good friend, Patrick Mahomes, suffered a season-ending torn ACL against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14.
Kansas City takes to the field against the Broncos — with all eyes on Travis Kelce — on Christmas Day at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.