15 MINUTES AGO: Just moments after the Chiefs suffered a crushing defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, an emotional Travis Kelce shocked the world by officially announcing his retirement from the NFL. Standing at the post-game press conference, Kelce struggled to hold back tears as he addressed reporters and fans. But what truly captured fans’ attention was Kelce’s heartfelt message to Taylor Swift on his way out. As he stepped away from the podium, he took a deep breath and looked straight into the cameras:

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Super Bowl 2025 was meant to be a night of triumph for the Kansas City Chiefs, a chance to further solidify their dynasty and for Travis Kelce to add another ring to his legendary career. But instead, the night ended in heartbreak—not just for the Chiefs, but for one of their greatest players. Just moments after the Chiefs suffered a devastating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, an emotional Kelce stepped in front of the cameras and delivered news that left the football world in shock: he was retiring from the NFL.

Kelce’s Tearful Goodbye

As he stood at the podium in the post-game press conference, Kelce struggled to find the right words. The once-charismatic and confident tight end, known for his electrifying plays and infectious energy, now appeared overwhelmed with emotion. His eyes glistened with tears as he addressed the reporters and millions of fans watching from around the world.

“This game has given me everything,” he began, his voice shaking. “I’ve given my heart and soul to the Kansas City Chiefs, to my teammates, to this city. But after tonight, I know it’s time.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, and the room fell silent. Kelce, a man who had become synonymous with the Chiefs’ dominance, was saying goodbye.

He took a deep breath and looked around at the people who had been with him throughout his 12-year career. His teammates sat in the front row, some with their heads bowed, others staring at their leader, unwilling to believe this was the end. Patrick Mahomes, his longtime quarterback and brother-in-arms on the field, clenched his fists, visibly emotional as he listened to Kelce speak.

Kelce wiped his face with the sleeve of his jersey, composing himself as he continued.

“I’ve been blessed beyond words to play this game, to wear this jersey, and to call Kansas City my home,” he said. “To the fans—you’ve been my family. Through every touchdown, every win, every loss, you never wavered. This city means everything to me.”

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he took one last look at the Chiefs’ logo on the podium. “But now, it’s time for a new chapter.”

The Message to Taylor Swift That Broke Fans’ Hearts

As Kelce prepared to step away from the podium, he hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. He turned his gaze directly to the cameras, and the room seemed to hold its breath.

“And before I go,” he said softly, “I just want to say one last thing.”

A pause. Then, with the kind of sincerity that could shake even the most hardened of hearts, he said:

“Taylor, you’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock. I love you. Thank you for being by my side through all of this.”

The words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stop. The room was silent, but social media erupted. Fans around the world took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, unable to contain their emotions over the public declaration of love amid such a painful moment.

“Travis Kelce saying ‘I love you’ to Taylor Swift in his retirement speech? I’m crying.”

“He gave it all to the game, but Taylor gave him something even bigger—love.”

“This is straight out of a movie. Chiefs Kingdom will never be the same.”

For months, the world had speculated about the relationship between Kelce and Swift, but in that moment, he made it crystal clear. This wasn’t just a fling or a passing romance—it was real, it was deep, and it was unshakable.

What’s Next for Kelce?

With his playing days now officially behind him, questions immediately swirled about Kelce’s next move.

Would he transition into broadcasting? His larger-than-life personality and deep understanding of the game made him a perfect candidate for television. Networks had reportedly been lining up, eager to secure him for their analyst teams.

Or perhaps coaching? Many speculated that Kelce could find his way back to the Chiefs in a leadership role, helping to guide the next generation of players.

But others had different theories.

“Imagine Travis Kelce joining Taylor Swift on tour. That man deserves a break.”

“Kelce in the Eras Tour VIP section, living his best life? I’d love to see it.”

Regardless of what came next, one thing was certain: Travis Kelce’s legacy was cemented forever. From his two (or more) Super Bowl rings to his countless game-winning plays, his name would forever be spoken in the same breath as Chiefs legends.

A Love Story in the Spotlight

In the days that followed, speculation continued about his message to Swift. Would she respond publicly? Would she write a song about this chapter of their lives? Fans dissected every detail, watching for signs of what the future might hold for the couple.

But for Kelce, the decision was clear. Football had been his life for over a decade, but now, it was time for something new. And whatever that was, one thing remained true: he wouldn’t be walking that path alone.

As the cameras flashed and the media scrambled to capture the final moments of his career, Travis Kelce walked off the stage, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy.

And as he disappeared down the tunnel, past the roaring crowd and into the next chapter of his life, he carried with him the same fire, passion, and love that made him one of the greatest to ever play the game.

See More: Chiefs player speaks out after Patrick Mahomes skipped him while greeting teammates during Super Bowl loss

Toward the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss Sunday, Patrick Mahomes greeted some of his fellow offensive players, giving high-fives and sharing hugs.

But one player — running back Samaje Perine — was noticeably left out despite standing up as Mahomes approached him.

Mahomes greeted JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown before embracing Isiah Pacheco. Next on the bench was Perine, who stood up, but Mahomes instead approached Travis Kelce, and the two shared a long embrace.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes to running back Samaje Perine (34) against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium.  (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)

People noticed the apparent snub, and in an Instagram post highlighting video of what happened, many called out Mahomes for a lack of leadership.

However, according to the New York Post, Perine commented on the post and said people were making something out of nothing.

“Lol I actually stood up to untie my pants string, no one blamed anybody,” Perine commented. “It’s not that deep.”

Perine, third on the running back depth chart behind Kareem Hunt and Pacheco, caught a pass from Mahomes in the AFC championship against the Buffalo Bills, which sealed their victory and sent them to their third straight Super Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine (34) during a press conference in advance of the 2025 Super Bowl at the New Orleans Marriott. (Stephen Lew/Imagn Images)

He was used mainly in the pass game out of the backfield, catching 28 passes for 322 yards and one touchdown for the Chiefs during the regular season. He also had 92 rushing yards on 20 carries with a score.

In the 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Perine had just one carry for eight yards.

The loss halted the Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat, which would have been the first in Super Bowl history.

It’s the Eagles’ second Lombardi Trophy after winning the 2018 Super Bowl.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the ball off to RB Samaje Perine (34) during the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sunday’s game was a rematch of the Super Bowl two years ago, which the Chiefs won, 38-35.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.