Travis Kelce 'Should've Retired' Warning Sparks Fire, NFL Experts Question His Commitment

Travis Kelce's future in the NFL has been thrown into sharp focus after the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade, triggering blunt criticism from former players and analysts.

As debate intensifies, one warning has cut through louder than most: Kelce may have stayed on the field one season too long.

With questions now swirling over his motivation, physical toll and mindset, the league is openly asking whether one of its greatest tight ends is nearing the end.

The scrutiny comes amid a bruising season for Kansas City that unravelled far quicker than anyone expected.

Former NFL player Gerald McCoy even called out Kelce for his focus and said his inconsistent commitment might be the reason for the team's downfall. On the other hand, his brother, Jason Kelce, even offered him some advice on how to retire, citing the rising speculation surrounding the athlete's career.

Season's End With The Disappointment of Chiefs

The LA Chargers defeated the team on December 14 by a 16-13 margin, leaving the team unable to compete in the postseason, marking the first such instance in over 10 years.

However, the action was marred by a season-ending injury to one of the best players taking part, Patrick Mahomes, who tore his ACL and LCL in the final seconds.

According to the group, Mahomes has completed his surgery and will start rehab immediately.

The Chiefs did not fare well on either offence or defence, although Kelce caught seven passes for 70 yards. The team's defence used to be one of its strengths; it did not fare well because it could not turn the ball over or make the other team's QB uncomfortable.

McCoy also questioned the fact that the defence has not been able to generate takeaways as they only have 11 takeaways this season, the least since Mahomes started in the league, and have sacked opposing QBs only 20 times, the third lowest in the NFL.

McCoy on the Accountability of Teams

In an interview, former NFL defensive tackle Gerald McCoy discussed the accountability of teams and said the players' performance is as much the responsibility of the coaches, rather than blaming Kelce's attitude as one of the reasons behind the Chiefs' fall.

McCoy merely weighed in, saying that Kelce has not been the same. Last offseason, when he said he was not certain whether to retire, he was likely 'supposed to have retired.'

'This game is too difficult to play with that mindset,' McCoy said. 'When your mind wanders, it shows.'

The former NFL player studied Kelce's recent performances, suggesting he has lost his commitment. His remarks come after Kelce himself said he is not sure about his future in the NFL, leading to speculation about whether he will keep playing after this season.

Kelce's Future Is Still Uncertain

Although Kelce has not publicly discussed retirement plans since losing the Chiefs at the end of the season, his recent actions and statements have led many to doubt his future.

After the game, Kelce was seen in an apparent state of distress, slowly strolling with his helmet in hand.

The NFL fraternity has been split on whether Kelce has a future. Some think that the physical and psychological burden of football is enough to warrant retirement, particularly for a player who has acquired so much. Some view Kelce as going through to another season.

Advice from Jason Kelce

In the speculation, Jason Kelce, the elder brother of Travis and a former NFL centre, gave his advice based on his experience.

During an ESPN Monday Night Countdown appearance, Jason opined that Travis should take a break from the game to get a clearer picture.

He underlined the significance of emotional processing, particularly following a bad season characterised by injuries and team turmoil.

'Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coaches, and then let it sink in,' Jason advised. 'It'll come to you with time. There are so many emotions with this game right after a season, especially with the way this one's been,' he added.

There's Still More To Play

Even though the Chiefs have not made the playoffs, they still have three games left in their schedule, starting with a game against the Tennessee Titans on December 21, a game on Christmas Day against the Denver Broncos at home, and a season finale game against the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4.

As the Chiefs move away, rivals in the division, such as the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers, are on the rise. The Chargers' win over Kansas City not only destroyed the Chiefs but also gave the AFC West a new twist.