Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is facing a big decision after his team’s 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. With speculation swirling about his future, fans are eager to learn if he’ll return for another season.
Peyton Manning, a former NFL quarterback, shared some advice with E! News on February 16, urging Kelce to take his time before making any decision. Manning, who knows the pressures of retirement, emphasized that rushing into a choice would not be wise.
“I hope he takes some time and doesn’t rush his decision,” Manning said. “Take a month, let everything settle, and then he’ll be in a better place to decide.”
Manning, who had an illustrious 18-season NFL career, knows the toll the sport can take. He won two Super Bowls—one with the Indianapolis Colts and one with the Denver Broncos—before retiring in 2016 and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Before the Super Bowl, sources suggested that Kelce had no immediate plans to retire, even with his growing opportunities in acting and podcasting. The tight end was reportedly focused on continuing with the Chiefs, whether to pursue a fourth Super Bowl win or to avenge their recent loss.
However, Kelce’s perspective has shifted after the Super Bowl defeat. On his podcast, New Heights, he explained the weight of the decision ahead of him.
“It’s a tough reality,” Kelce admitted. “I think I need to take some time to figure it out. If I come back, I owe it to my teammates to make a wholehearted decision. I’m not going to be half-hearted about it.”
He went on to say that while he feels capable of continuing his career, he’s weighing the personal cost of the decision. “I think I could play. The question is whether it’s the best choice for me as a person.”
The Chiefs reportedly want Kelce to make his decision by March 14.
