Patrick Mahomes opens up on Travis Kelce's retirement plan: 'He'll come back here with welcome arms'

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Patrick Mahomes has made it clear that no matter what Travis Kelce decides about his future in the NFL, he will always have a place with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Following the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, Mahomes addressed speculation about Kelce’s potential retirement, given his growing presence on television and his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift.

Patrick Mahomes says Travis Kelce has 'given so much' to team and NFL

Patrick Mahomes praised Travis Kelce's impact on the Chiefs and the league, stating that the tight end has been a joy to play with and watch.

“I’ll let Travis make that decision on his own, man,” Mahomes said during a post-game press conference.

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL and been such a joy, not only for me to work with but for people to watch,” he added.

Mahomes acknowledged that Kelce still has plenty to offer on the field.

Patrick Mahomes says Travis Kelce will come back here with 'welcome arms' 

Patrick Mahomes reassured that Travis Kelce has his full support, regardless of what he chooses for his future.

"He knows he still has a lot of football left in him. You can see it. He always makes plays in the biggest moments, but it’s if he wants to put in that grind because it’s a grind to go out there and play 20 games and get to the Super Bowl," Mahomes said.

"He’s done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Mahomes added, reported Parade. 

"I know he still has love for the game,” he said.

“And he'll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own, but he knows he'll come back here with welcome arms," Mahomes added.

"We love that guy not only for the football player, but the person that he is every single day," he added.

Travis Kelce says Eagles 'got after us' following Super Bowl loss

Following the Chiefs’ 22-40 defeat, which ended their hopes of winning three consecutive Super Bowls, both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce reflected on the game.

“They got after us,” Kelce said in an emotional video shared to X. “All three phases. Couldn't get it going offensively," he added fighting back tears.

Kelce, who had Taylor Swift cheering him on from the stands, added, “There's a lot that went into it. You don't lose like that without everything going bad. We haven't played that bad all year.”

However, Kelce cut the time with reporters before numerous topics including his retirement could be discussed.

"Have a good one guys,” Kelce told reporters after answering a few questions.

Mahomes, who shares three children with his wife Brittany Mahomes, took to social media to express his gratitude to fans.

“Appreciate all the love and support from #ChiefsKingdom,” he wrote on X on February 9.

“I let y’all down today. I’ll always continue to work and try and learn and be better for it. Want to give thanks to God for every opportunity he has given me. We will be back,” he added.