With the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2014, all eyes were on Travis Kelce in the Week 18 finale, with fans wondering: Is It Over Now?
Well, if Kelce did have an idea of what the future holds for him, he didn't tip his hand after Sunday's 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
"I just love this team," Kelce said post-game, per ESPN's Nate Taylor. "I'm proud of the way we finished this, even though it ended the way it did. The guys still showed up and gave it their all. That's all you can ask for, man.
"I've got so much love for this team, this organization and the people here. I'll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings (Monday) and get close to the family and figure things out."
Coming off last February's Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles — as the Chiefs missed out on a chance at a three-peat and the fourth title of Kelce's career — the 36-year-old announced he would return for the 2025 season, to run it back for the final year of his contract with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
But with the Chiefs putting the final bow on a 6-11 season, in which Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and Kelce caught 76 passes, his fewest since 2015, the noise around a potential retirement has never been louder.
"Who knows?" Kelce said of his future on Sunday. "Either it hits me quick, or I've got to take some time. Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to kind of give this one (year) a shot. We'll see."
With his three receptions for 12 yards on Sunday, Kelce surpassed 13,000 career yards and became just the second player in NFL history to record 75 receptions or more in 10 straight seasons, per ESPN.
In total, the six-foot-five tight end racked up 851 yards and caught five touchdowns during the trying year in Kansas City. He also set the Chiefs' record for touchdowns in November, hauling in his 84th career score.
"We obviously didn't do well as a team, but I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock and roll with the right intentions," Kelce said. "The ball just didn't go our way in a lot of those close games, unfortunately. If I do choose to come back, that's something I've really got to focus on, making sure I'm available and I'm ready for those (late-game) moments."
The good news for Kelce's fans is that he was voted to his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl this season, meaning he won't be away from the NFL for long.
But beyond that, it's anyone's best guess whether Kelce will be back for a 14th season.
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