Sunday's AFC Championship in Kansas City isn't just an important game for the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. It could also be the last pivotal franchise game that Travis Kelce plays at Arrowhead Stadium.
The likely Hall of Famer is now 35 years old, and although he's under contract through next season, Kelce has several projects off the field, including a cameo in the upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel.
Such efforts have naturally raised fears among Chiefs fans that Kelce could leave Kansas City for Hollywood.
But if they were hoping to get some comfort from Kelce's old teammate and friend Patrick Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP had nothing to offer.
“I have no idea,” Mahomes said. 96.5 FM Kansas City before Sunday's AFC title game against the visiting Buffalo Bills. 'He hasn't told me anything if he's thinking that.
“I know he signed a two-year extension before the season and it seems like he still loves football, but he also has a great life,” Mahomes continued. “Either way, I appreciate every time I get on the field with that guy, knowing that he's a true legend of not only the Chiefs, but the NFL. If it's his last game, let's go out there and get a win. If it's not his last game, let's go out and win anyway, huh?
Patrick Mahomes doesn't know if Sunday's game will be Travis Kelce's last in Kansas City
Chiefs fans are a little nervous about the possibility that Travis Kelce could leave KC for Hollywood
Mahomes' motivational words aside, the quarterback's words did not inspire hope among the Chiefs faithful.
“Patrick,” one fan responded, “I don't like your response.”
“Why do I get the feeling Pat knows something?” one fan asked.
Some fans rejected the idea wholeheartedly.
“I'm just going to say…next Sunday doesn't feel like Travis Kelce's last game in Arrowhead at all,” Chiefs podcast host Lexi Osborne wrote. But I guess you never know. Praying I'm right. I will never be ready for that day to come…'
One fan made the inevitable connection to Kelce's girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
“I want him to retire in three shifts so he and Taylor can retire, get married and have a baby,” the enamored follower wrote on X.
“I don't know: billionaire girlfriend, makes a lot of money doing a podcast, broke her idol's record, secured the first HOF vote,” another commented, probably referencing Kelce passing Jerry Rice for the most games 100-yard reception in playoff history. last week. 'What else needs to be done?
But many, many more expressed sadness at the mere possibility that Kelce could leave.
“I can't even let myself think about it,” one wrote.
Even at age 35, Kelce remained productive, recording 97 receptions and 823 yards on 133 targets. He had just three touchdowns during the regular season, but he made up for it Saturday with a score in the Chiefs' Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans.
Kelce has shown some more confidence in second-string running back Noah Gray this season, completing 40 passes to the tight end for 437 yards and five touchdowns.