Peyton Manning Offers Retirement Tips to Travis Kelce
With the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce faces a significant choice regarding his future.
As the potential Hall of Famer contemplates retirement, another NFL icon has offered some insight for the three-time Super Bowl champion.
“I hope he takes his time and doesn’t rush into a decision,” renowned quarterback Peyton Manning shared with E! News during the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special on Sunday, February 16.
“You definitely don’t want to jump in and say, ‘Alright, I’m deciding now,’” he continued. “Take a moment. Spend a full month reflecting. Allow things to settle and then he can make a more informed decision.”
At 35, Kelce has expressed uncertainty about his playing future for next year. He is under contract with the Chiefs for one more season, following their recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Despite his team’s Super Bowl appearance, this past season might have been the least statistically impressive in Kelce’s career, making retirement a valid consideration as he ages.
On his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce affirmed that he intends to heed Manning’s advice and take his time in making his choice.
“I know everyone is eager to find out if I’ll be playing next year, but for now, I’m just pushing that decision forward,” he stated in the episode aired Wednesday, February 12. “I’m not hasty in making any drastic moves, and my priority is supporting my teammates and understanding all that comes with it.”
Travis Kelce has participated in all 174 regular season games of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, but his tenure at Arrowhead Stadium may be nearing its conclusion. He has openly contemplated retirement on his “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, and even if he chooses to play next season, there are still uncertainties ahead.
“I intend to take some time to reflect on my decision,” he added. “I believe I owe it to my teammates that if I do return, it will be an earnest choice… It’s essential to consider whether it’s the right move for me personally, as a man and as a human, to shoulder that responsibility.”
However, while Kelce ponders his options, a deadline appears to loom. The Athletic reported on Friday, February 14, that the Chiefs have given him one month to communicate his decision.
As of now, it seems Kelce has much support for his return, including from his girlfriend Taylor Swift.
“She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game,” Kelce shared with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith in January. “She loves visiting Arrowhead [Stadium] to watch me play, and I feel incredibly supported in pursuing these dreams.”
Manning is also in favor of Kelce playing for another season.
“I hope he comes back and plays,” he expressed to E! on Sunday. “He’s enjoyable to watch, but ultimately, he has to do what’s right for him.”
