Patrick Mahomes Has Heartbreaking Message About Travis Kelce That Suggests His Career Is Over After Devastating Super Bowl Loss

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Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes (Photo by Corey Perrine / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The End of an Era? Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s Legacy

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes stood on the field, eyes scanning the sea of confetti falling around him—not in red and gold, but in the green and white of the Philadelphia Eagles. Super Bowl 59 had ended in heartbreak, a brutal 40-22 loss that crushed the Chiefs’ dreams of a historic three-peat. The disappointment was evident, but amid the agony of defeat, Mahomes’ thoughts drifted elsewhere—to his teammate, his brother-in-arms, Travis Kelce.

For years, Mahomes and Kelce had been an unstoppable duo. Their connection was the stuff of legends, a partnership that rewrote record books and delivered two Super Bowl victories to Kansas City. But on this night, as the realization of their loss settled in, Mahomes couldn’t help but wonder: Had he just played his last game with Kelce?

The Final Huddle

As the Chiefs gathered in the locker room, silence filled the space. The energy that had carried them through an arduous season was gone. Mahomes sat next to Kelce, his expression a mixture of exhaustion and admiration. The veteran tight end had given everything to the game—his body, his mind, and his soul. He had been more than just a teammate; he had been a leader, an inspiration, and a brother.

Reporters soon entered, microphones in hand, ready to capture reactions to the devastating loss. When Mahomes took the podium, his words weren’t just about the game; they were about Kelce.

“I’ll let Travis make that decision on his own, man,” Mahomes said, his voice filled with emotion. “He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL and been such a joy, not only for me to work with but for people to watch. He knows he still has a lot of football left in him. You can see it…He’s done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer…He’ll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own.”

Those words sent waves through the NFL community. Was this Kelce’s last game? Would the 35-year-old, who had defined the position of tight end for over a decade, walk away after this crushing defeat?

A Season of Challenges

Kelce had not been his usual dominant self in 2024. His numbers—97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns—were far from the eye-popping statistics that had become his standard. Injuries and age had begun to take their toll, and while he still had the fire and the skill, the game was becoming harder.

Even in the playoffs, he had shown flashes of brilliance, catching 13 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to carry the Chiefs to victory. The Eagles had been relentless, pressuring Mahomes, shutting down passing lanes, and making it impossible for Kelce to take over the game as he had so many times before.

Reflection and Decision

As Kelce walked out of the stadium that night, he wasn’t just thinking about the loss—he was thinking about his legacy. He had given everything to Kansas City, to football, to the fans who had supported him through the highs and lows. He had accomplished more than most could ever dream of: multiple Super Bowl rings, Pro Bowl selections, and records that might stand for decades.

But now, he had a choice to make.

In the weeks following the Super Bowl, speculation ran rampant. Would he retire? Would he return for one more season? NFL insiders, including Ian Rapoport, reported that Kelce hadn’t made a decision yet and that the devastating Super Bowl loss could heavily influence his choice.

Kelce knew that walking away wouldn’t be easy. Football had been his life for so long. But he also knew that if he chose to return, he wouldn’t just be playing for one more season—he’d be chasing another championship, another shot at greatness.

The Legacy Lives On

Regardless of his decision, one thing was certain: Travis Kelce’s impact on the game would never fade. He had redefined what it meant to be a tight end, bringing athleticism, charisma, and an unmatched passion for the game. He had formed an unbreakable bond with Mahomes, creating one of the greatest quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history.

If this was the end, it was a storybook career—one that would undoubtedly lead him to the Hall of Fame. But if he chose to return, it would be one last ride, one last chance to add to his already legendary status.

As Mahomes had said, the decision was Kelce’s alone. And whatever he chose, the football world would be watching, waiting to see what the next chapter of his incredible journey would hold.

See More: Patrick Mahomes Says He’s Not Sure If Travis Kelce Will Return to Chiefs Next Season After 2025 Super Bowl Loss

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL,” Mahomes said of Kelce after a disappointing Super Bowl loss

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LIX; Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LIX . Photo: Michael Owens/Getty; Graythen/Getty

Patrick Mahomes isn’t sure if Travis Kelce will return to the Chiefs next season.

Following a disappointing defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl, Mahomes, 29, was asked if he has spoken to Kelce, 35, about whether he will retire from football or return to play another season in the NFL.

Speaking to reporters after the 40-22 loss, Mahomes said he’s going to “let Travis make that decision on his own” after he deserves some well-deserved rest following a long season.

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL,” Mahomes said of the superstar tight end. “And he’s been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch.”

The quarterback continued, “And he knows he still has a lot of football left in him,” citing that fans “can see it” because Kelce “always makes plays in the biggest moments.”

But whether or not Kelce returns to the NFL will depend on “if he wants to put in that grind” again to dedicate the time and energy it takes to play pro football, Mahomes explained.

If Kelce were to hang up his cleats, Mahomes said his friend and teammate is already a lock to be a “gold jacket guy” and a “first ballot Hall of Famer” with his three Super Bowl wins. “But I know he still has a love for the game,” Mahomes continued, “and he’ll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own.”

Kelce and Mahomes looked defeated at several moments during the game as the Eagles continued to score, pushing their lead to double digits.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off the field at half time against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LIX.Jamie Squire/Getty

Leading up to the Super Bowl, Kelce said he’s the “happiest” he’s ever been.

”I think I found it all. I just gotta, you know, keep it all. I absolutely love where I am in life. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m enjoying coming in to work and what I do for a profession in my career. And I have an unbelievable support of family and friends who are chasing me down here for yet another Super Bowl,” he said in an interview with Westwood One Sports on Saturday, Feb. 8.