NEW ORLEANS -- Travis Kelce might be slowing down, but he's not ready to quit snagging pigskins.
The 35-year-old Kansas City Chiefs star tight end said Monday during Super Bowl LIX Opening Night that he's got no designs on walking away, win or lose Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelce admitted he's considered riding off into the sunset, but the thrill of another Super Bowl run proved he still has the juice to keep going.
"I've thought about it, but I still love what I do," he said. "It's moments like these, weeks like these, the month that we just had in the playoffs that make me feel like I could play this game forever. I think I still got a lot of football left in me. I think this year has been one of the most special years of my life. I think it's gonna continue to make me want to do more in the football world."
Kelce put up 823 yards, his worst total since his one-game rookie season in 2013, and had just three touchdowns in 16 games this season. In the AFC Championship Game, he put up two catches for 19 yards, marking his fourth game this season with fewer than 20 receiving yards -- double as many games than any other campaign in his career.
Even with a down year, the tight end believes he can play several more seasons.
"Where will I be in three years? Hopefully still playing football," he said on Monday night. "I love doing this. I love coming into work every day. I feel like I still got a lot of good football left in me. We'll see what happens. I know I've been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That's always been the goal, knowing that football only lasts for so long. You've got to find a way to get into another career, another profession. I've been doing that in my offseasons. But for the most part, I'm planning on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football."
Kelce wasn't the only Chiefs' keystone to reject retiring. Coach Andy Reid also has zero plans to put down his play sheet.
"Ah no, I'm not there yet, no. If you don't retire, I'm not retiring," Reid quipped.
Super Bowl LIX will be Reid's 45th career playoff game as a head coach, passing Bill Belichick (44) for the most playoff games by a head coach all-time. Reid (28) needs four wins to pass Belichick (31) for the most career playoff.
The 66-year-old Reid remains several seasons behind Bruce Arians, who was 68 when he became the oldest Super Bowl champion coach -- Arians retired at 69.
"Yeah, I don't think about that, but Bruce was a great coach," Reid said. "He was a good man, too. But you don't know. I'm enjoying what I'm doing."
Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt also tossed a bucket of cold water on the idea of the coach walking away.
"Yeah, I was always surprised when I heard those rumors because I know how much fun Andy's having," Hunt said, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. "He in a lot of ways I think is rejuvenated by the success the team's had, certainly he's matched with the quarterback that's a perfect complement for him in Patrick, and I know he loves what he's doing. I'm glad we haven't heard any of those rumors this year, I know for a fact he's going to be back next year. So we'll get there when we get there, but I think Andy loves what he's doing and is going to do it for a long time."
With Kelce and Reid dismissing retirement chatter, and Patrick Mahomes only 29, the Chiefs key offensive triumvirate will be in play for another Super Bowl run in 2025.
