After the tough pill to swallow that was Super Bowl LIX, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is taking a moment to assess his future in football. Following a challenging loss where the Chiefs fell 40-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce has hinted that he might need some time away from the game before deciding whether to lace up his cleats for the 2025 season.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, Kelce had expressed a desire to continue playing. However, the aftermath of such a significant defeat has prompted some introspection about his career trajectory. As one might expect from an athlete of his caliber, it’s a tough decision filled with emotion.
Booger McFarland, a former NFL defensive lineman and now an ESPN analyst, shared his perspective on the situation, suggesting that if a player starts to consider retirement, it might be time to hang up the jersey. Reflecting on his own experience of retiring after nine seasons, McFarland said, “I knew it was time to retire when I was thinking about retirement. The fact that Travis Kelce, who is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, is thinking about retiring, I think it’s time for him to go on.”
While he believes Kelce’s physical skills are on the decline, particularly citing what he described as Kelce’s worst performance in a Super Bowl, McFarland also acknowledges the personal nature of the decision. “I get it, you don’t want to go out on that note,” he said. “But at some point, let’s not tarnish the legacy that you built.”
It’s crucial to note that McFarland believes Kelce should have the final say in his career path. “I’m not forcing him. He’s earned the right to make that decision on his own. But when you start talking about it, it’s usually time to go ahead and go.”
If Kelce does choose to retire, he’ll leave behind a legacy that is hard to argue against—totaling 1,004 receptions for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns during the regular season, he is cementing his status as one of the best tight ends in NFL history. His future in the sport may be uncertain right now, but there’s no denying the impact that he has made and will continue to make in the annals of the game. As fans, we can only hope that whatever decision he arrives at is the right one for him.
