Travis Kelce’s Christmas night at Arrowhead leaves one big question

Travis Kelce admitted he is still weighing his future after the Kansas City Chiefs fell 20–13 to the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, a defeat that may have marked his final home appearance at Arrowhead Stadium.

The 36-year-old tight end finished with five catches for 36 yards in a subdued offensive showing from Kansas City. As he left the field, Kelce was seen tossing his gloves into the crowd, a small gesture that fuelled growing speculation about whether his 13th NFL season could be his last.

‘Still searching for answers’

Speaking before the game in a pre-recorded interview with former Chiefs great Tony Gonzalez, Kelce acknowledged that he has yet to make a decision on retirement.

“I think I’m still searching for those answers,” Kelce said. “Obviously, the way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth, I feel motivated, but I’ve got to make the right decision for me. I’ve got to hope that, if I do want to come back, the Chiefs are willing to bring me back. It’s a two-way street.”

The loss capped a disappointing season for Kansas City, who will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014. Their struggles have been compounded by injuries, including season-ending knee injuries to quarterback Patrick Mahomes earlier this month.

Kelce added that he has leaned on his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles centre Jason Kelce, for advice as he considers his next steps.

Taylor Swift watches on as speculation grows

The Christmas Day game also drew attention off the field, with his fiancée Taylor Swift reported to be in attendance to support Kelce as questions swirled about his future.

Despite the defeat, Kelce appeared to savour the moment after the final whistle, smiling as he took in the Arrowhead atmosphere.

“You only get a few of those moments where you can really appreciate 60 to 70,000 fans screaming for you,” he said afterwards. “I always embrace that moment. It’s fun.”

Kelce insisted that his love for the game remains strong, suggesting that any decision will hinge on whether that competitive drive still burns.

“I know when it’s over, it’s over,” he said. “I still have a lot of love for this game. If I came back, it would be to answer that flame in my heart.”

For now, no decision has been made. But on a quiet Christmas night in Kansas City, Kelce’s words and actions left one question hanging over Arrowhead, and the final chapter of a storied career remains unwritten.