Rumors have been circulating that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is considering retirement. This prompted widespread reaction, including from the retired quarterback Peyton Manning, who advised Kelce to take some time before making the decision.
What advice did Peyton Manning give Travis Kelce?
Peyton Manning spoke on the rumors about Travis Kelce’s potential retirement in an interview with E! News at SNL 50: The Anniversary Specia on Sunday, February 16. “I hope he takes some time, and he doesn’t make a rushed decision,” Manning said.
“So, the last thing you want to do is say, ‘OK, I’m going to make a decision now,'” Manning added. “Take some time. Take a full month. Let some things digest and calm down. He can make a better decision then.”
Manning also stated while he hoped that Kelce would return and continue to play, he acknowledged that the other man “got to do what’s best for him.”
The rumors gained traction after the Chiefs’ decisive 40-22 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on February 9. Kelce, who is currently in a relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, addressed these speculations on New Heights, the podcast he hosts with his brother Jason, a retired football player. Kelce acknowledged there was “a lot of wear and tear” as he was playing an additional three games than other players due to the Chiefs’ repeated appearances in AFC Championships and Super Bowls. He admitted that “the process can be grueling. It can make you better, but it can also drive you crazy. This year, it was driving me crazy.”
The 35-year-old detailed the issues he had been facing in the end phase of his career. “I know everybody wants to know whether I am playing next year. Right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions, but the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and coaches,” he elaborated, making an almost similar remark to what Manning said. Notably, the podcast became available online before Manning gave the interview.
