Travis Kelce reignites retirement rumors as he calls Chiefs' win against Browns 'one last hoorah'

CLEVELAND, OHIO: Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has dropped hints on his retirement following a game in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

The Chiefs' 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns marked a rare opportunity for the tight end to play in front of a local crowd.

Travis Kelce on potential final game in Cleveland

The game at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday sparked speculation about Travis Kelce's future, as the 35-year-old hinted it might have been his final game.

During his 'New Heights' podcast, Kelce expressed that playing in Cleveland was a bittersweet experience.

“It felt so surreal. I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll play in Cleveland, but it kinda felt like I was giving it one last hoorah before I’m done because I’ve only played there twice in 12 years," Daily Mail noted.

"It was a special day for me personally,” Kelce who grew up in Cleveland Heights added. He also contributed four receptions for 27 yards during the Week 15 win at Huntington Bank Field.

Retirement rumors have reportedly gained weight as Kelce plays his 12th season in the NFL, pursuing his third consecutive Super Bowl win and fourth overall with the Chiefs.

His relationship with pop star Taylor Swift and involvement in entertainment ventures have also fueled retirement speculation. However, Kelce has not confirmed any immediate plans to retire.

Travis Kelce addressed retirement rumors before

While Travis Kelce suggested that Sunday’s game might have been his last in Cleveland, scheduling dynamics suggest the Chiefs and Browns are unlikely to play again in Ohio until 2027.

Even then, the game will likely take place in Kansas City, as noted by publication. 

Kelce previously addressed questions about retirement during a September appearance on 'The Rich Eisen Show'.

“I’m still enjoying coming to work. I’m not dreading practice,” Kelce said, according to the New York Post.

“I’m just having so much fun and just so appreciative and so fortunate that I’ve been able to come into year 12 and still have this energy and this love and the ability to get to work,” Kelce said.

Despite the 2024 season being statistically quieter for Kelce, he has recorded 84 receptions for 709 yards and two touchdowns through 14 games and remains a dominant presence.

Earlier this month, Kelce became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 12,000 receiving yards.

Taylor Swift remains absent during Kansas City Chiefs' game in Cleveland

Notably, Taylor Swift was absent from the Cleveland game was has frequently attended Chiefs games over the past two seasons.

Although she was not at the game, Swift made a surprise visit to a children's hospital in Kansas City, bringing joy to patients and their families.

Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback, dealt with an ankle injury during Sunday’s game.

Despite this, the team secured a win, with Kelce catching four of eight targets for 27 yards.