It was a rough Super Bowl LIX for Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs. The tight end appeared visibly frustrated throughout the game and wasn't able to have the impact he would have wanted. Some are calling for him to retire. However, he knows that he's close to that day coming, but also knows that he can still contribute to a winning team at a high level. This has led to a lot of speculation. Fans luckily have a greater level of direct insight in today's modern media era. Even if the Chiefs' faithful aren't getting a direct answer, they know what the tight end is thinking, following the bitter end to the season.
Travis Kelce sat down with his brother Jason and addressed the retirement issue on the latest 'New Heights' episode, "Everyone wants to know whether or not I'm playing next year. Right now, I'm just kicking everything down the road."
The Kansas City player was understandably disappointed. Winning a championship lasts forever. However, most great players share that losing the final game stings more than the joy of earning the trophy. This is particularly true with the three-peat being so close. KC nearly achieved unprecedented history.
In an act of class despite feeling down, the TE made sure to give the Philadelphia Eagles full credit and gave them their flowers. The question still remains. Travis Kelce knows how good the opposing defense was, but he also knows where he could have been better. Those plays are likely to be replayed time and time again in his mind. Thinking 'what if,' particularly so soon after Super Bowl Sunday.
Tough decision for Travis Kelce
Some may insist that it's time for him to hang it up. But that's a more difficult ask of one of the best to play the game, especially at his position. The competitor in him will want to run it back and show that this team has one more run in them.
However, he's also acknowledged the drain of the year and the need to constantly deal with injuries and keep the body ready for game time. The in-game willingness and competitive spirit are the last to leave, but the sacrifice that is required to be able to even step foot on the field becomes less and less appealing as athletes get older.
Kansas City was a game away from becoming a three-time in a row Lombardi winner. And the offense seemed able to turn it on whenever they needed it most. Travis Kelce now faces a difficult decision. It may seem obvious to onlookers. But fans shouldn't be surprised if the tight end elects to return just to pursue one more ring to add to his collection.
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