The blow hit the Kansas City Chiefs twice. They lost to the Chargers, and they lost Patrick Mahomes. The torn ACL changed everything, and one question now dominates the conversation: Is this the end of the Mahomes-Travis Kelce duo?
Travis Kelce is in his 13th NFL season and is 36 years old. Retirement rumors grew throughout the year, and his quarterback’s injury reignited the debate. Mahomes promised to return “stronger than ever,” but injuries like this offer no clear timeline and no guarantees.
Kelce is in the final year of his contract. After the 16–13 loss, he avoided the media and kept his message short in the locker room. “This is not the time. I’ll see you during the week,” he said. That silence only intensified doubts among fans and analysts.
The partnership was historic. Together, they recorded more than 700 completions, surpassed 8,000 yards, and scored over 120 touchdowns. They won three Super Bowls and built a dominant era. Now, their future is uncertain.
A decision deferred until the end
According to the New York Post, Kelce addressed retirement last month. He spoke before the game against the Colts and stated that his decision would come after the season. He explained his stance clearly. “Watching my brother go through it and seeing — I don’t know — how the league works … I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not, and vice versa,” he said, according to Associated Press.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City #Chiefs walks off the field after a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs will miss the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2014.
📸: Jamie Squire pic.twitter.com/CJRRHAOetJ
— Getty Images Sport (@GettySport) December 14, 2025
Kelce also detailed his timing. “It’s one of those things where I’d like to make that decision before they have draft picks and free-agency openings,” he continued. “So they can go out there and fill the roster properly. All of that will come after the season. I won’t think about it until then.”
That plan could now change. Mahomes will be sidelined for an unknown period, and the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The context shifted abruptly.
Before the injury, Mahomes targeted Kelce five times against the Chargers. Kelce finished with seven receptions for 70 yards. Still, time keeps moving. The future of the duo no longer depends only on performance, but also on time and difficult decisions.
