Patrick Mahomes Reacts to Travis Kelce’s Possible Retirement: “It’s Going to Be Tough Without Him”
The rumors of Kelce’s retirement have been swirling for months, with reports suggesting that the 34-year-old tight end has been seriously considering hanging up his cleats. After another grueling season and the Chiefs’ devastating Super Bowl loss, many believe the end is near for one of the greatest tight ends of all time. And Mahomes, more than anyone, understands what that would mean for Kansas City’s future.
“I’ve been so lucky to have him out there with me,” Mahomes continued. “Every time I get in a tough spot, I know he’s there. He’s my security blanket. Not having him would be… different.” His words carried a weight that fans weren’t used to hearing. Mahomes, always confident and composed, seemed genuinely heartbroken at the idea of losing his most trusted weapon.
Kelce himself has remained coy about his plans. While he hasn’t outright said he’s retiring, he’s hinted that he’s taking things year by year. His growing media career—including his New Heights podcast and hosting gigs like Saturday Night Live—has shown that he’s got plenty of options outside of football. “I’m just enjoying the ride,” Kelce recently told reporters. But to many, that sounded like the words of a player who knows the end is near.
Chiefs Kingdom, meanwhile, is in full-blown panic mode. Social media is flooded with messages from fans begging Kelce for “one more year.” The idea of Mahomes without Kelce is almost unthinkable—after all, their chemistry has been the foundation of Kansas City’s dominance for years. “If Kelce retires, the Chiefs will NEVER be the same,” one fan tweeted. “Mahomes without Kelce is like Brady without Gronk. It’s just different.”
Even head coach Andy Reid weighed in on the matter, though he tried to stay optimistic. “Travis has earned the right to make his own decision,” Reid said. “But we’d obviously love to have him as long as he wants to play. He’s one of the best to ever do it.” Still, there was an undeniable nervousness in his tone—after all, replacing Kelce would be nearly impossible.
If Kelce does decide to retire, the timing couldn’t be worse for the Chiefs. With other AFC teams on the rise and Kansas City looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking season, losing their biggest offensive weapon would be a brutal blow. The Chiefs’ front office may already be scrambling to find his successor, but let’s be honest—there’s no “replacing” Travis Kelce.
Mahomes, however, made it clear that no matter what happens, his respect and admiration for Kelce will never change. “If this is it, he’s had the kind of career people dream of,” Mahomes said. “But selfishly, I hope we get to run it back at least one more time.” His words echoed the sentiment of Chiefs fans everywhere—just one more season, one more chance at a ring.
For now, all eyes remain on Kelce. Will he walk away on his own terms, leaving at the top of his game? Or will he give Mahomes and the Chiefs one final shot at glory? No one knows for sure, but one thing is certain—the day Kelce officially announces his retirement, it won’t just be a loss for the Chiefs. It’ll be a loss for football.
As Mahomes left the podium, reporters asked if he had any final message for his longtime teammate. He simply smiled and said, “Travis knows how much he means to me. No matter what he decides, he’s a legend.”
