Emotional night at Arrowhead as Travis Kelce plays potential final home game in Chiefs’ loss to Broncos
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 27, 2025, 01:54 IST
Travis Kelce played what could be his final home game as the Chiefs lost 20–13 to the Broncos, ending their playoff hopes. The veteran tight end was emotional afterward but did not confirm retirement. With his contract ending and Kansas City struggling, questions remain about whether Kelce will return for another season.
The Kansas City Chiefs fell 20-13 against the Denver Broncos on Christmas night as Travis Kelce played what could be his final home game at Arrowhead Stadium. The loss dropped the Chiefs to 6–10 and officially ended their playoff hopes for the first time in a decade.
Kelce, 36, finished with five catches for 36 yards while playing alongside third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun. Despite the loss, he showed flashes of his old self late in the game, making key catches in the final minutes as Kansas City tried to make a comeback.
After the game, Kelce admitted he was emotional but stopped short of confirming retirement. He said the decision would be made later, after consulting with his family and the team. With his contract ending and the season nearly over, the game may have been his final appearance at Arrowhead Stadium.
"A whole lot of emotions, you've got everybody in the world watching you. You get to go out there with the young guys on primetime television. Young guys getting an opportunity to taste what this NFL life is like." Kelce said, speaking to the reporters after the game.
Kelce was introduced last before kickoff and received a loud ovation from the crowd. His fiancée, pop star Taylor Swift, watched from a suite along with his mother, Donna Kelce. According to the Associated Press, Kelce said moments like running out of the tunnel and hearing the fans cheer are things he will always remember.
Kansas City struggled offensively all night, finishing with just 139 total yards. Still, Kelce played with effort despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention. He said the young players were gaining valuable experience, and that he wanted to finish the season on a high note.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who missed the game due to an ACL injury, said the team has talent but has lacked consistency throughout the season. He added that the responsibility starts with him.
Having spent 13 years with the Chiefs, Kelce now sits just 10 receiving yards short of 13,000 for his career and could reach the mark in the season finale against Las Vegas.
Whether he returns next year or not remains uncertain.
As reported by the Associated Press, Chris Jones, the Chiefs' defensive tackle, said, “We’ve been through so much together, just one more (season). Just one more.”
Kelce, 36, finished with five catches for 36 yards while playing alongside third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun. Despite the loss, he showed flashes of his old self late in the game, making key catches in the final minutes as Kansas City tried to make a comeback.
After the game, Kelce admitted he was emotional but stopped short of confirming retirement. He said the decision would be made later, after consulting with his family and the team. With his contract ending and the season nearly over, the game may have been his final appearance at Arrowhead Stadium.
"A whole lot of emotions, you've got everybody in the world watching you. You get to go out there with the young guys on primetime television. Young guys getting an opportunity to taste what this NFL life is like." Kelce said, speaking to the reporters after the game.
Kelce was introduced last before kickoff and received a loud ovation from the crowd. His fiancée, pop star Taylor Swift, watched from a suite along with his mother, Donna Kelce. According to the Associated Press, Kelce said moments like running out of the tunnel and hearing the fans cheer are things he will always remember.
Kansas City struggled offensively all night, finishing with just 139 total yards. Still, Kelce played with effort despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention. He said the young players were gaining valuable experience, and that he wanted to finish the season on a high note.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who missed the game due to an ACL injury, said the team has talent but has lacked consistency throughout the season. He added that the responsibility starts with him.
Having spent 13 years with the Chiefs, Kelce now sits just 10 receiving yards short of 13,000 for his career and could reach the mark in the season finale against Las Vegas.
Whether he returns next year or not remains uncertain.
As reported by the Associated Press, Chris Jones, the Chiefs' defensive tackle, said, “We’ve been through so much together, just one more (season). Just one more.”