Kansas City Chiefs’ coach Andy Reid comments on Travis Kelce’s retirement. Notably, the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and ended the season with a heartbreaking 6-11 record. This further fueled speculation about Kelce’s retirement, though the 36-year-old tight end has expressed his desire to continue playing.
Andy Reid comments on Travis Kelce
Chiefs’ coach Andy Reid shares an update on Travis Kelce’s retirement. Kelce has a big decision to make this offseason about whether he should hang up his boots or return for another NFL season. The 36-year-old has not formally announced his decision but has casually discussed the matter with coach Reid.
During a recent press conference, Reid revealed, “No, there is communication though. That’s the main thing. I’ve said this before: As long as there’s communication, I’m good. That means people want to move forward. I think that’s where Trav is. I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here.” Continuing further, Reid said, “He’s been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out going forward. But we’re proceeding with that, and there is communication going on.” (via NFL Media).
Previously, Reid lavished praise on Kelce in what could have been the Chiefs’ tight end’s final home game of his career back in December. Reid gushed, “I think his numbers, his personality, and the person speak for themselves. Phenomenal person. Has been great for the community. He’s everything you want from a player representing an organization.”
At the time, Reid said that, irrespective of whether the 36-year-old continues his NFL career, he has built a legacy. He said, “Whenever he decides to hang it up, he’s built a great legacy. If he decides this is it, that’s it — and if not, more power to him.” (via Men’s Journal).
The Chiefs’ tight end discussed his rumored retirement on the January 7 episode of his New Heights podcast. He shared, “It’s a tough thing to navigate. I think if my body can heal up, rest up, and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18-20/21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. I think right now is just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after all this settles down.”
