Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce played possibly the last game of his career at Arrowhead Stadium against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day. It was the final home game of the season for the Chiefs and Kelce has been noncommittal about playing beyond the current campaign, when his current contract ends.
Kelce caught five passes for 36 yards in the contest and the Chiefs lost to the Broncos, 20-13. It was the fifth straight loss for the Chiefs, who have been eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014. Afterward, Kelce was understandably emotional.
"A whole lot of emotions," Kelce said of how he was feeling after the game. "You've got everybody in the world watching you. You get to go out there with the young guys on prime-time television. Young guys getting an opportunity to taste what this NFL life is like.
"You feel the generations of happiness and the love that [the fans] have," Kelce added. "It's a beautiful thing, man. It's something I know I'll cherish forever, whether it's coming out of the tunnel or just making a big play for them. That's why we love Arrowhead."
No one is pushing Kelce out the door in Kansas City. He’s a Chiefs legend and would be welcomed back with open arms if he wanted to play another season. Plus, he’s still a productive player. Kelce has 73 receptions for 839 yards and five touchdowns this season, despite the fact he’s played the last two games with a backup quarterback.
But, he’s also 36 years old with a lot of wear-and-tear on his body. Eventually the end comes for everybody, and Kelce is no different, whether that end comes this offseason or next. Kelce has previously indicated that he plans to make the decision regarding his future shortly after the season ends in order to provide the Chiefs with as much notice as possible.
So, since the Chiefs’ season will come to an end next weekend, we probably won’t have to wait too long for a decision. If Kelce has already played his last game in Arrowhead, he leaves Chiefs fans with more memories than they know what to do with, which certainly isn’t a bad legacy to leave.