With the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from the postseason, Christmas night could mark the last time future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce plays a game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kelce’s future is in doubt, with potential retirement looming in the offseason. With KC playing in Las Vegas to close out the season, Thursday night marks the Chiefs’ final home game of 2025.
Coach Andy Reid remains unsure of Kelce’s postseason intentions.
“I don’t know if it is or not,” Reid said, via the team’s release, when asked about this potentially being Kelce’s last home game. “I haven’t talked to him. I think his numbers and personality and the person I think speaks for itself. A tremendous individual (and) great for the community – has been great for the community. He’s everything you want from a player who represents an organization.”
Last week, Kelce declined to comment on his future plans, saying he would wait until after the season to make a decision. “I’d rather stay focused on this team right now,” he said at the time.
Kelce was named to his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl. In 15 games, the TE has 68 catches for 803 yards and five touchdowns. Kelce joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with at least 800 yards in 12 consecutive seasons.
It has been an up and down campaign for the 36-year-old. The last three weeks have been indicative of that: One catch for 8 yards in Week 14, seven for 70 yards in Week 15 and one for 6 yards in Week 16.
Even if the consistent production hasn’t been there for the 13-year pro, the coaching staff has shined with his leadership, especially during a tough season.
“Those guys see what he does and he’s able to set guys up,” offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said Tuesday. “He’s having a great year right now, and I think that’s what’s so special about his leadership. The way he leads these guys is second to none. It’s been a tough year, it hurts to be where we are right now. We understand the frustration, it’s tough (and) it’s not fun. When you go through these times, I think at the end of what the vet is at the end and the other. They’re handling this moment right now, which is not fun or easy.
Kelce still has a few phases to play. With seven receptions, Kelce (1,072) is tied for eighth in receptions in NFL history, passing Anquan Boldin (1,076) and Terrell Owens (1,078). Kelce (12,954) needs 46 receiving yards to reach 13,000 in his career. He would become the third TE to reach the plateau (Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez).