Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce explained to fans Friday what playoff football means to him ahead of their AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans.
The message came as Kelce spoke about his retirement on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” earlier in the week.
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December 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, PA: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) watches action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
“Playoff football is the most meaningful football you’ll ever play in your life,” he said in a video posted to the Chiefs’ Instagram account. “I cherish every piece, man. I really do. When you’re in it, you’re always trying to strive for greatness.
“Being bigger than what you are. You know, obviously there’s a historic run and something that we can achieve that no other team has ever achieved. You know, that motivates you.”
Kelce admitted on the podcast that he would “reevaluate” some things in the offseason.
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January 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks the sideline in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
“I love everything I do in this building, but at the end of the day, I’m not as successful on the field as I am individually,” Kelce told Smith. “…I’m going to re-evaluate it like I always do, and I’ll probably tell myself how much I love this thing, and I’ll come back next year.
“I still love walking into the building every day, does it get tough, yes, but I don’t do it for the stats. I do it for the greatness, the legacy that we’ve created here at Kansas City,” he added, “…I can’t imagine what it would feel like to just be able to say I’m satisfied because I’m still hungry to go for something right now.”
Kelce faced all kinds of criticism during the season, with accusations that he was a washout or spending too much time with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift. He still managed to make 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games.
Even at 35 years old, Kelce was healthy all season and only missed Week 18 as the Chiefs decided to rest their starters, having already completed a bye week. With the smell of retirement creeping in as the season enters the homestretch, Kelce was asked if Swift thinks he calls it a career.
Kelce says feeling Swift’s support has been an “incredible experience.” (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Kelce said he has Swift’s support to continue performing if he wants.
