Why One NFL Sideline Reporter Thinks This Is Travis Kelce’s Last Season
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sideline during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif.
Could this be Travis Kelce's last season playing for the Kansas City Chiefs? According to one NFL sideline reporter, it may very well be.
On Sunday, Jan. 21, former NBC Sunday Night Football sideline reporter Michele Tafoya hinted the tight end could retire at the end of this season—reportedly alongside his Philadelphia Eagles center brother, Jason Kelce.
"I think Travis Kelce is retiring after this season like his brother, so I think there's just a ton of motivation there for [the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl]," Tafoya told Marc Ryan of CBS Sports Radio ahead of the Chiefs-Buffalo Bills playoff game.
The Chiefs beat the Bills 27-24 on Jan. 21, and the team next faces off against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Jan. 28.
Although Tafoya said she couldn't reveal her sources, she added of Kelce, "I think he's looking at future plans."
Michelle Tafoya: "I think Travis Kelce is retiring after this season, like his brother."
"I think he's looking at future plans...I could totally see those 2 pulling a Peyton and Eli Manning sorta gig, maybe on Peacock."
(via: @CarlosWithAK)https://t.co/Z5bOameU0f— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 21, 2024
In the December/January issue of The Wall Street Journal, Travis admitted he thinks about retirement "more than anyone could ever imagine."
Earlier in January, however, the tight end reassured fans that he has no immediate plans of retiring.
"I have no reason to stop playing football, man. I love it," he said during a press conference. "...I just love the challenge it gives me every single day to try and be at my best. Like I said, I have no desire to stop anytime soon."
Travis Kelce putting the retirement talk to rest today pic.twitter.com/ZzaO61WS21
— Daniel Harms?? (@InHarmsWay19) January 11, 2024
Renewed talk of Travis' potential retirement comes on the heels of speculation that Jason will not return to the NFL next season. The Eagles lost against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15, eliminating them from the playoffs.
However, Jason broke his silence regarding the reports, sharing on the Kelce brothers' podcast, New Heights, that it wasn't the right time to make that decision." following "a game like that."
He explained, "There’s too much emotion in the moment and too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.” Which is why he "didn’t announce what [he] was going to do on purpose, despite what’s been leaked to the media.”
It looks like fans will have to wait and see whether one, both or neither of the Kelce brothers retire before next season.
Next: Jason Kelce Shocks and Thrills Bills Fans by Showing Up at Playoffs Tailgate
