Very few athletes, past and present, will be able to relate to the choices facing Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce these days. But one former NFL legend who can definitely understand is at least up for providing some advice if Kelce wants it.
Kelce is reportedly considering retirement at this stage of his career, a path that began when the Chiefs called his name in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Since then, despite missing his entire rookie year with an injury, Kelce has redefined the levels of possible production at the position. His achievements make him a shoo-in as a first-ballot Hall of Fame candidate after setting nearly every possible NFL record for tight ends.
If anyone would know how Travis Kelce feels right now, it's Peyton Manning.
Despite catching another 97 passes in 2024, Kelce has some other things on his mind heading into 2025. He's already plenty busy with entertainment opportunities, and with a long-term love interest in Taylor Swift, Kelce might value his personal/family time a bit more than ever. However, Kelce also maintains that he still loves the game, his teammates, and being a part of the Chiefs organization.
The Chiefs have reportedly asked Kelce to make up his mind before the new league year begins, giving him around a month to decide to return for another year (for which he's already under contract for already).
So what will Kelce do? He might want to seek some counsel from those who've gone before him—and Peyton Manning is one such athlete. Manning was also a first-ballot Hall of Famer who was busy in the offseason making commercials and investments outside of the game. Even years after he hung up his cleats, Manning remains a relevant presence in pop culture and it's easy to see Kelce following a similar path.
Manning was recently asked about the challenges that Kelce is facing following another season and he had some helpful advice.
"I hope he takes some time and he doesn’t make a rushed decision," said Manning in an interview with E! News during the festivities around Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary celebration. So, the last thing you want to do is say ‘OK, I’m going to make a decision now.' Take some time. Take a full month. Let some things digest and calm down. He can make a better decision then. I hope he comes back and plays. He's fun to watch, but he’s got to do what’s best for him."
Kelce has 1,004 catches for 12,151 receiving yards and 77 touchdowns in his NFL career—all with the Chi
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