The Kansas City Chiefs could be approaching the end of an era on Thursday night. The Chiefs have already been eliminated from playoff contention and will likely start Chris Oladokun at quarterback when they face the Denver Broncos in what was supposed to be a Christmas showcase. But while it may be hard to fault Chiefs fans for not getting up for this game, it may also be their last chance to say goodbye to beloved tight end Travis Kelce.
Kelce’s future has become a hot topic as the 2025 season winds down, and after speculating retirement last offseason before eventually coming back, the question has already come up ahead of next season. While the 36-year-old hasn’t officially declared which way he will go, the possibility that it could be his last home game on Thursday has already crossed the mind of offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who pleaded for one more season when speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
“What Travis has done to this organization, his teammates, this city…I hope to hell it’s not true,” Nagy said via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. “He’s out here every day at practice. I think that should go to show why he’s playing this game and why he’s so special.”
Kelce’s Future Is a Big Question Mark Ahead of Chiefs’ Home Finale
Kelce has been coy about his future even though the speculation began when they were eliminated from playoff contention following a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Late last week, Kelce made it clear that his focus was on the Chiefs’ final games of this season as opposed to his future, citing his integrity and desire to be a member of the team.
“I signed up to be a Kansas City Chief,” Kelce said via The Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell. “I’ve been dreaming of playing in the NFL since I was a kid. Getting back to that (mentality) will give you all the motivation you need.”
Even if Kelce is focused on the present, his future is a question mark because of what he’s done for the franchise in the past. Before he got there, the Chiefs hadn’t won a Super Bowl since 1971, but Kelce was part of the shift into one of the league’s most successful franchises, winning Super Bowl rings in 2019, 2022, and 2023. He also ranks first in franchise history with 1,072 receptions, 12,954 receiving yards, and 82 touchdowns, while ranking third among tight ends in NFL history in receiving yards.
With Kelce engaged to Taylor Swift and his brother, Jason, doing TV work for ESPN, there’s a clear path for life after football, and it has Chiefs fans wondering when it will be his last game. Although this isn’t the outcome anybody thought of when Kelce returned for a 13th season, whether he’ll listen to Nagy's plea and return for a 14th campaign will continue to be a major talking point until he officially makes his decision.