At this point, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has to laugh. After all, how many more ways can he say he's got a lot more football left in the tank.
This season was yet another productive one for Kelce and the Chiefs are hoping for another deep postseason run together. With Patrick Mahomes and Kelce as the offensive core, anything is possible, even if this year's path through the playoffs is a varied one as the No. 3 seed this time around.
As long as the Chiefs are winning and Kelce is productive, it makes sense why he'd want to play as long as physically possible. However, this is the first year it made some real sense for Kelce to consider moving on from football. From playing through pain and injuries to the Chiefs' inability to help him offensively to his burgeoning career in entertainment, Kelce has more waiting for him away from the game than ever before.
Just don't expect Kelce himself to even bother with those arguments.
Back in June, Kelce was asked about his career longevity and how much more he might consider playing. That led to the now-famous quote when he said, "Until the wheels fall off, baby." It was a hilarious line that was pure Kelce, but it was a clear way of expressing his competitive desire and passion for a game that's given him a lot—and that he wasn't ready at all to call it quits.
Every indication from Travis Kelce is positive toward returning to the Chiefs in 2024 and beyond.
Now on the verge of another postseason with the Chiefs, Kelce was asked once again about his future plans and it was met with a laugh and a bit of incredulity. Watching Kelce answer the question, he seemed surprised that people would even insinuate he might be near the end.
"I have no reason to stop playing football, man. I love it," said Kelce. "We still have success. Come in with the right mindset and I just love the challenge that it gives me every single day to be at my best. Like I said, I have no desire to stop anytime soon."
Later on in his media session, Kelce was asked about what he might do if he chose another career. He discussed the beauty of the NFL offseason as a time to experiment with other pursuits and said he enjoyed being in front of the camera on SNL and other places, but football remains his main love. In fact, when talking about another "career path," Kelce laughed and added the following.
"It's funny for me to even say that at this point in my career because I think it's so much further down the road than it is right now."
Perhaps this answer was enough that we'll take him at his word.