In the NFL’s triple header on Christmas Day, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs lost to the Broncos.
Even though Kansas City was officially eliminated from the postseason race, feelings were still running high because it might be Kelce’s final game at Arrowhead Stadium, where he has spent his whole professional career.
In a pregame interview with fellow Chiefs veteran Tony Gonzalez, Kelce avoided discussing his potential retirement, stating that he was still “searching for answers” and that he would be heavily relying on his elder brother Jason for guidance.
Nevertheless, it has long been known that the future Hall of Famer was at least thinking about hanging up his cleats, and the Arrowhead crowd expressed their admiration for his illustrious career as soon as he stepped onto the field.
Following the game, in which he finished with 36 yards on five receptions from third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, Kelce was questioned once more about whether it might be his last game in front of the home fans.
Once more, Kelce avoided providing a direct response by relying on a well-known joke.
Laughing, Kelce said: “The only time [retirement] ever crossed my mind was when I was driving in the other day and I saw how much the Powerball was, and I was like, ‘Man, if I could just win that, I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life!’”
Then he gave a more somber response. He said:
“Honestly, I’ve just been trying to win football games man. I’ll let that be a decision I make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes.”
.@tkelce takes the podium for his final home game of 2025. #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/gq2ppbJCS6
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) December 26, 2025
Given that a jackpot winning ticket worth more than $1.8 billion was bought in Arkansas on Christmas Eve, it’s possible that Kelce might return for another year if the Powerball fantasy had truly occurred to him.
It would be a somewhat depressing end for one of the best athletes in sports history if this is Kelce’s last game. Together with Mahomes, Kelce earned three Super Bowl titles and helped the Chiefs become a dynasty over the last ten years. He is one of the most successful receivers in NFL history, let alone tight ends.
