It was a bittersweet day for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during Super Bowl 2025 when his team lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in a tough 40-22 match. Not only did this loss conclude the Chiefs’ dream of a historic three-peat, but it also placed Kelce’s future in the N.F.L. in heightened scrutiny. Here’s what happened during and after the big game surrounding the drama with Kelce.
A Tough Game on the Field
Travis Kelce, one of the biggest names in the NFL, had a memorable night for all the wrong reasons. For the first time in his 25-game playoff career, Kelce failed to catch a single pass in the first half. His first reception came late in the third quarter, a paltry, 8-yard pickup, but by that point, the Eagles were sitting on a 24-point lead. Kelce ended up with only four catches for 39 yards, well below his usual value-added performances.
Kelce acknowledged that the team “couldn’t find that spark” and was plagued by turnovers, penalties, and dropped passes. He called the defeat a product of “everything going bad,” a rare slipup for a team that had been dominant all season.
Retirement Speculations
At 35, Kelce’s future in the NFL is in doubt. He signed a two-year extension in April 2024 but has made himself answerable this season as to whether he will return next year. During the regular season, Kelce recorded career lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3), and he had mixed performances in the playoffs.
His teammate, P. Mahomes, for one, doesn’t believe that Kelce is finished, saying that Kelce “still has a lot of football in him” and is a “gold jacket guy,” referring to the Hall of Fame. Mahomes said that whether Kelce retires is up to him but that he thinks Kelce still loves the game.
Kelce has been candid about considering retirement, saying he thinks about it “more than anyone could ever imagine.” But he also conveyed his love for football and for playing, saying, “I know I still have quite a bit of good football in me.”
Off-Field Drama
For Kelce, the Super Bowl also wasn’t just about football. His romance with the pop superstar Taylor Swift added an extra layer of drama. Swift, who was at the game in New Orleans, was booed by Eagles fans when she appeared on a big screen in the stadium. Despite the embarrassing reception, Swift was spotted consoling Kelce after the defeat, with sources stating she was “proud of him irrespective of the result”.
It is said that the couple are set to go on holiday to discuss their future after a busy year together in the limelight. Both Kelce and Swift have busy NFL and Eras Tour schedules, respectively, and are ready for some time to spend with each other.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Fans were quick to respond to Kelce’s performance and the Chiefs’ loss. He drew criticism for not imposing himself on the game, but others marveled at his resilience and leadership. Kelce’s tearful pre-game pep talk to his teammates reportedly “brought him to tears” and illustrated how much the game meant to him.
The season ended in disappointment, but Kelce’s legacy in the N.F.L. is secure. With multiple Super Bowl victories and a host of records, he is widely considered to be one of the best tight ends of all time. At 35, his longevity and staying power have drawn comparisons to other NFL legends, such as Rob Gronkowski, who retired at the same age.
What’s Next for Kelce?
At this time, Kelce has not officially announced his plans for A New Kollective. He’s hinted at pursuing paths beyond football, including media, in the wake of his brother Jason Kelce. His passion for the game and his urge to keep playing, however, would imply that retirement is not around the corner.
