Travis Kelce Speaks on Chiefs’ Early Exit, Future Uncertainty, and Playing With Purpose
For the first time since 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs are officially out of the playoff picture before the regular season wraps. A loss to the Los Angeles Chargers slammed the door shut on their postseason hopes, marking a jarring shift for a franchise that’s become synonymous with January football.
But don’t expect Travis Kelce to coast through the final games.
“Chiefs Kingdom, we’re going to give you everything we got. There’s no question about that,” Kelce said on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast.
“There’s only one way I do things. There’s only one way Coach [Andy] Reid does things.
If we’re going to go out there and play some football, we’re going to do it the right way and keep trying to get these things fixed on the highest note that we can.”
That mindset has defined Kelce’s career - all-in, all the time. And now, as the longest-tenured player on the roster, he’s one of the few Chiefs who remembers what it felt like the last time Kansas City missed the playoffs. For much of the locker room, this is uncharted territory.
It’s a different kind of December in Kansas City. No playoff seeding scenarios.
No talk of home-field advantage. Just pride, professionalism, and a little soul-searching.
“There’s an integrity thing here,” Kelce said. “When you sign up for the gig, you’re living out your dreams.
You’re living out a kid’s dream that never got a chance to do this. … You’re playing this game obviously to win Super Bowls.
You’re playing this game to be in those playoff scenarios and stuff, but at the end of the day, man, you’re playing in the NFL. And that’s a f------ blessing.
That’s an honor. It’s an honor to be out there.”
That kind of perspective doesn’t come overnight. It comes from 12 seasons in the league, countless playoff battles, and a career that’s already secured a spot in Canton when the time comes. But how much longer will Kelce be suiting up?
Retirement talk has followed him for a few seasons now, and it’s only grown louder this year. He didn’t address any future plans directly on the podcast, but the question looms: Are these the final games of one of the greatest tight end careers in NFL history?
Kelce, 36, is in the final year of a restructured contract he signed back in April 2024. His brother, Jason, retired at the same age earlier this year after a legendary run with the Philadelphia Eagles. The parallels are hard to ignore.
Still, if this is the end, Kelce isn’t mailing it in. He’s locked in on finishing strong - not just for himself, but for the team, the fans, and the game itself.
He also touched on Patrick Mahomes’ injury and recovery, offering support for his quarterback and longtime teammate: “He’s going to make sure that he comes back stronger than ever, and you know, hopefully the Chiefs can get him back as soon as possible.”
There’s no doubt Mahomes is the future of the franchise. But Kelce?
He’s been the heart of it for over a decade. And whether or not he’s wearing red and gold next season, he’s making sure these last few weeks reflect everything he’s stood for - toughness, leadership, and a deep love for the game.
The playoffs might be out of reach, but for Travis Kelce, the mission hasn’t changed. Play hard.
Play the right way. And leave nothing on the field.