In a season of failed playoff hopes and rough injuries, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to close things out with two more games on the schedule. On Christmas Day, they’ll host the Denver Broncos, a team that has surged most of the season.
With it being the Chiefs’ final home game, it could also be the final time that Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce plays in front of the home crowd. That’s because there has been growing buzz that Kelce will announce his retirement once the season is over.
During Tuesday’s press conferences, various coaches and players spoke ahead of the team’s matchup against the Broncos, including offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. He was asked about this possibly being Kelce’s final game at Arrowhead Stadium and what it means to him.
“What Travis has done to this organization, to his teammates, to his coaches, to this city, it’s special. You hate to even hear that, and you know, I hope like hell that that’s not true,” Nagy told reporters.
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Kelce joined Kansas City in 2013 as a third-round NFL draft pick, just after the team hired Andy Reid to be the new head coach. Several seasons later, they drafted superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the trio achieved three Super Bowl rings together, along with several other appearances.
“You know, I just have so much respect. I’ve been fortunate enough selfishly to be with him for many years, and I’ve learned a lot from him,” Nagy said on Tuesday.
“What he’s going through even in these last few games- we’re out of the playoffs, mathematically, we’re out. He’s out here every single day at practice, leading, helping people out, fighting his a** off on game day. Has a great spirit with him on the sideline,” he said.
“I think that should go to show a lot of guys on this team- these younger guys, why he’s playing this game and why he’s so special,” Nagy told reporters.
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The Chiefs’ OC said he didn’t want to take Kelce “for granted,” indicating he knows how loved he is by coaches and the city, and that he hoped it wasn’t true that Kelce is retiring.
However, Kelce seems to be trending that way, and many people believe the rumors. He’s set to marry his fiancée, singer Taylor Swift, and likely embark on new endeavors after football.
His career isn’t necessarily ending on a high note due to the Chiefs’ failure to get into the postseason and his friend Mahomes suffering a devastating ACL injury. However, Kelce’s dedication to continuing to work and play at a high level in what could be his final career games is a testament to the type of player he is.
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