Patrick Mahomes teases retirement news after | NFL News

Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has coyly addressed team-mate Travis Kelce‘s future, implying that their time collectively on the sector could also be nearing its finale. On Thursday, ex-NFL participant and present ESPN persona Pat McAfee introduced that Kelce has determined to stave off retirement and march back onto the sector with the Chiefs in 2025.

This revelation closes down rumours of Kelce’s potential exit from the NFL, however Mahomes hinted this might be a ‘The Last Dance’ state of affairs for the indomitable tight finish and that a plan could also be in place which might see Kelce retire on the finish of subsequent season.

Mahomes took to social media to unfold the phrase about Kelce’s return, opting to connect a GIF from the famed sports activities docuseries ‘The Last Dance’, which chronicled Michael Jordan’s closing charge for glory with the Chicago Bulls. This refined gesture has led many to consider that Kelce, who notched up a below-par 823 yards and simply three touchdowns final season, may bow out following the 2025 marketing campaign.

Post-Super Bowl LIX – a recreation the place the Chiefs felt the total drive of the Philadelphia Eagles’ prowess, dropping 40-22 – there was hypothesis over whether or not Kelce would grasp up his boots. The 35-year-old seasoned professional conceded he was not in a hurry to succeed in a verdict concerning his enjoying days.

However, after 18 days of deliberation, readability was delivered during Thursday’s episode of ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, the place it was confirmed that Kelce will certainly swimsuit up as soon as more. “I’m coming back for sure,” Kelce signalled based on McAfee.

“I’m gonna try and get to the best shape I’ve been this offseason, and get back to the mountain top. I’ve got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!”

As Super Bowl LIX approached on Feb. 9, the Chiefs have been tantalisingly close to creating historical past as the primary staff within the Super Bowl period to clinch a three-peat. However, their goals have been dashed by the Eagles, who dominated with a 40-6 lead earlier than Mahomes’ two late touchdowns softened the blow.

This marked the second Super Bowl defeat for Kelce and Mahomes, regardless of being three-time champions with the Chiefs. It was additionally the primary playoff loss for the Chiefs because the 2021 AFC Championship recreation, and the size of the defeat was a bitter tablet to swallow.

Kelce was among the many first Chiefs gamers to exit the Caesars Superdome, notably lacking his post-game press convention. While retirement would nonetheless secure Kelce’s standing as a future Hall of Famer and one of the franchise’s all-time greats, Mahomes is definite that particular person honours are usually not his teammate’s most important concern.

“He can play as long as he wants to,” Mahomes confidently acknowledged when questioned about Kelce’s profession longevity. “He’s focused on the ultimate mission of being the best football player that he can be. More than anything – more than I think he wants to even do it for himself – he just loves being in the building with his teammates and being a part of that.”

This article initially appeared on Mirror US