Travis Kelce plans to play “until the wheels fall off” as the tight end is fresh off a two-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Hopefully, that doesn’t happen anytime soon,” the 34-year-old said Tuesday.
The four-time All-Pro tight end signed that new contract in April, making him the highest-paid tight end for the first time in his 11-year career. The new deal is set to pay Kelce $17 million fully guaranteed this year and keeps him with the franchise through at least 2025. His $17.25 million salary in 2025 is mostly guaranteed, according to a league source.
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Kelce turns 35 in October, but said he isn’t planning for retirement just yet.
“I really can’t put a timeframe on (retirement),” he said. “I love coming to work every single day. Obviously, I know there’s opportunities outside of football for me. You have to keep in perspective that I’m still a little kid when I come into this building, man. I know I’m 34 years old, but I have a love to do this right here, in the middle of the heat in June. I love coming to work every single day.”
Kelce helped lead the Chiefs to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory last season while leading the team with 93 receptions for 984 yards during the regular season. During the Chiefs’ four-game postseason run, Kelce elevated his performance, generating 32 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
He is a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, a nine-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro player.
Before Super Bowl LVIII in early February, Kelce reiterated he wasn’t planning to retire, especially with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the prime of his career.
Kelce also became a household name last season thanks in part to his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift and the podcast “New Heights,”which he hosts with his brother, retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
In addition to his celebrity status, Kelce has been one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends. His 907 career receptions and 11,328 career receiving yards rank fourth all time among tight ends.
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