Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones issued an emotional plea to teammate Travis Kelce amid swirling retirement rumors, following the team’s 20-13 Christmas Day loss to the Denver Broncos — potentially Kelce’s final home game.
The Chiefs currently stand at 6-10, having been eliminated from playoff contention after a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. They have one road game remaining against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.
Kelce, 36, has spent his entire 13-year career in Kansas City, winning three Super Bowls alongside Jones and becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
This season, however, Kelce posted career lows with 73 catches for 839 yards — his second-fewest since 2015.
After the Christmas Day game, Jones passionately urged his longtime teammate to return in 2026.
“Damn, man. We’ve been through so much together,” Jones said. “I hope he gives it one year, just one more year. Just one more, man. Just one more.”
Kelce remained non-committal, calling the home finale emotional but joking that retirement thoughts only surfaced when imagining winning the Powerball. He said he will make any decision with family, friends, and the organization when the time comes.
Many expect the future Hall of Famer to step away after a challenging year.
