Patrick Mahomes Confirms Stance on Travis Kelce’s Retirement as Andy Reid Announces Injury Blow to Super Bowl Hero
“It is such a big bromance that even Brittany is jealous of,” Jason Kelce probably had the most apt description of the connection between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce! Quite hilariously, it did not start out of anything positive, but rather a chaotic incident that happened during Mahomes’ rookie season, brought the two on the same boat for the first time.
It was a time when Mahomes was still trying to figure out the best way to fit into the team. Coach Andy Reid would give the walkthrough the day before the actual walkthrough. One such fifteen-minute walkthrough was scheduled to take place on a Sunday at 8 am. Mahomes being just “a kid fresh out of college” teamed up with a few other rookies on the day before and they were like, “Let’s go out, Saturday man!” But Mahomes made sure he set “eight alarms” on his phone to reach there on time. And what did he discover as he went out?
“Old Travis Kelce out in the same spot as I’m at.” The overly enthusiastic rookie invited the ‘old man’ as well to have fun with them. As Mahomes returned from the night out and slept, he made a terrible mistake. He forgot to put his phone in the charger and it got switched off! By the time Mahomes got up the next morning, the worst had stuck- it was already 8.15! As he came rushing to the training facility, the first question that Mahomes got was, “Were you with Travis?” Long story short, Kelce was also late- he had reached there just five minutes before Mahomes and received the same question! That day, the two succinctly understood that they were true ‘partners in crime’.
That partnership translated into the gridiron as well. “There’s a balance, because sometimes when you’re watching tape with rookies or guys that come in, [they ask], ‘Why did Kelce do that or do this?’ Well, he has an innate ability to recognize defenses. It’s on another level. What’s crazier is the fact that Pat knows it, too. Sometimes we don’t even practice it. They just do it. … There’s some stuff in there, DNA-wise, between those two guys, that a lot of people don’t have. They have that connection,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy had said once. No wonder Mahomes and Kelce have connected on 18 touchdowns in their playoff careers, the most by any duo in NFL playoff history.
So, how does Mahomes feel about the idea of Kelce calling it quits someday? And that day is nearing, as Kelce is getting older. Let’s just say Pat’s not ready. When asked at the Chiefs Players and Team Personnel Press Conference on January 22, the Chiefs #15 kept it real: “I haven’t [thought about it]. That’s something you worry about in the offseason. But, regardless, I just appreciate the time I am on the football pitch with him and that started whenever I first got here I mean I knew how blessed I was to have that guy on my team.”
The respect runs deep. “Every opportunity I step on the football pitch [with him] I appreciate it. Hopefully, that’s a lot more years. But I’ll appreciate it every time I do.” Spoken like someone who knows exactly how special this partnership is. And honestly, wouldn’t he? Playing alongside a guy like Kelce isn’t just a blessing—it’s a cheat code.
Pat added, “I’ve always known how great of a leader he is, I preach it every year, and the way that he works every single day and it makes my job easier as another leader on the team and so I knew he was going to do what he did in the playoffs, cuz he every time the moment gets bigger he plays better and he’ll do whatever it takes to win and that’s the type of guys you want on your football team and I’m glad he’s on mine.”
Right now, yes, the focus is on the 3-peat… The title clash against the Bills. But the topic of Trav retiring is looming like anything. Even more so now, especially after his January interview with Stephen A. Smith. While he didn’t confirm any plans to hang up his cleats, he left the door open: “I’ll reevaluate it like I always do, and I’ll probably tell myself how much I love this thing and I’ll come back next year.”
Contractually, the Chiefs’ tight end is locked in through 2025 after signing a two-year, $34.25 million extension in April 2024. He’s had another solid season, with 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns (in the regular season). Yeah, we know that you know, this is a drop off from his usual 1000+ yards seasons. But keep in mind the age factor, folks.
And yet, in the playoffs, he’s still the guy Mahomes turns to when it matters most, racking up seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round? You can not question Trav’s GOAT status. Even Andy Reid did not when he said: “He’s the greatest there’s ever been.” For now, ahead of the Bills game, Coach Reid need not have to worry about his #87. But there is one thing that Mahomes and the Chiefs need to keep in mind before the game.
Patrick Mahomes might need more than Travis Kelce to get past the Bills
Ah, the Bills—Josh Allen’s Bills. That 30-21 loss from earlier this season? Ghost of Buffalo… It’s still hanging around. Andy Reid hasn’t forgotten, and neither has Patrick Mahomes. Adding to the challenge, Mecole Hardman is officially done for the year. The three-time champ with his mix of 12 catches, 5 rushes, and 20 returns will be missed. So, where does that leave Mahomes?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Mahomes needs more than Kelce to get past the Bills. Kelce is a legend, sure. But this is about more than one man. Reid’s already hinted at what’s missing: balance. The Chiefs’ defense, ranked ninth overall this season, has to come up big. Chris Jones and Jaylen Watson (the guy wasn’t there in Buffalo, but would look settle the debts when it matters the most)? They’re not just key; they’re essential.
On offense, Mahomes can’t just sling it to Kelce all game. The onus is on Xavier Worthy to be the guy for his guy under center, yet again. I mean, he’s their only WR weapon with receptions this season. And don’t forget about the running game. Isiah Pacheco must find the rhythm. Or rather A-Game. The Chiefs need to control the clock and keep Josh Allen off the field. Simple? Not quite.
Special teams might just tip the scale. Harrison Butker better get those extra leg works in, and the return team needs to deliver. Games like these can swing on a single punt or kickoff return. You don’t need a highlight reel—just efficiency and zero mistakes. And keep bringing those Ws for Pat. He’s 16-3 in the postseason so far in his career. Yeah, beat that!
Mahomes himself knows this isn’t about being flashy. His growth as a QB shows in his willingness to let others shine. As he put it, “I just want to win… however we have to win the football game, I’m good with it.” That’s maturity—and maybe the Chiefs’ secret weapon.
So, can Mahomes and the Chiefs outplay the Bills and march toward another Super Bowl? That’s the million-dollar question. One thing’s for sure: they’ll need every piece of the puzzle to fall into place. Because in this league, even Mahomes magic needs a little help.