Travis Kelce's future with the Kansas City Chiefs hangs in the balance following their crushing 40-22 Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.
The Chiefs have indicated they would welcome the veteran tight end back for another season, though his role would be significantly different.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, speaking to 96.5 The Fan, whilst the team wants Kelce to return, he would need to accept a reduced position in the offence.
The shift would see Kelce transition from being the focal point to becoming more of a role player in the Chiefs' offensive strategy.
Travis Kelce's future with the Kansas City Chiefs hangs in the balance following their crushing 40-22 Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday
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Kelce's tenth season with Kansas City has seen a notable decline in his performance statistics.
Whilst managing 97 receptions, slightly up from the previous year, the tight end recorded career-low figures in both yards (823) and touchdowns (3).
His Super Bowl performance against Philadelphia on Sunday night proved particularly disappointing.
The Eagles' defence restricted Kelce to just four receptions from six targets, managing only 39 yards.
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Travis Kelce struggled on Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs lost the Super Bowl
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The Eagles' dominant defensive display also saw quarterback Patrick Mahomes sacked six times during the championship game.
Amid retirement speculation, Kelce addressed his future on the New Heights podcast.
"I'm gonna take some time to figure it out," Kelce said. "And I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back that it's gonna be a wholehearted decision and I'm not half-a**ing it."
The three-time Super Bowl champion emphasised the need for careful consideration.
"I think I can play, it's just whether or not I'm motivated or it's the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility," he added.
Should Kelce opt for retirement, he has already laid groundwork for a career in media and entertainment.
His on-screen experience includes hosting Saturday Night Live and appearing in the horror series Grotesquerie and Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader.
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The tight end has also ventured into film production, helping produce the 2024 movie 'My Dead Friend Zoe'.
Adding to his growing entertainment portfolio, Kelce has secured a role in the upcoming sequel to Adam Sandler's 1996 film Happy Gilmore.
He has also featured in numerous commercial appearances, demonstrating his versatility in media.
Travis Kelce has vowed to take some time to decide his future following the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl defeat
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Regardless of his future decision, Kelce has already cemented his place among the NFL's elite.
His career achievements include three Super Bowl titles, establishing him as one of the finest tight ends in the sport's history.
The decision between continuing his playing career in a reduced role or transitioning to entertainment now rests with the Chiefs veteran.
