Travis Kelce's career could almost be over, an unnamed general manager in the NFL has claimed.
The tight end and the Kansas City Chiefs suffered their second loss on the bounce Sunday against the Buffalo Bills with the defeat coming just weeks after he hinted at possibly retiring.
'It is funny you say that,' the unnamed general manager told The Athletic. 'I was watching him run down on that Hail Mary (against Green Bay), and I was thinking he might be almost done. I say that understanding he has been productive at times this year.
'But you know what the first sign of decline for a player like Travis Kelce is? That he is not the same player late in the season. It means his body is not recovering.'
Kelce has spent the last decade cementing a legacy as perhaps the greatest tight end in history, most recently becoming the fastest one ever to reach 11,000 career yards (154 games). He has claimed two Super Bowls and been named as a First Team All-Pro on four occasions.
Travis Kelce's career could almost be over, an unnamed NFL general manager has claimed
Kelce recently hinted at retirement after admitting he has had 10 surgeries during the course of his career which 'take a toll'
The Chiefs star has dominated headlines in recent months amid his romance with Taylor Swift
But at 34 years of age, and with his Kansas City contract up in 2024, the NFL veteran hinted in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last month that retirement could soon be on the cards.
'That's the only thing I've never really been open about, the discomfort. The pain,' he said about the injuries he has picked up over the years.
'The lingering injuries - the 10 surgeries I've had that I still feel every single surgery to this day.'
Kelce, who has dominated headlines in recent months amid his romance with pop sensation Taylor Swift, then dropped another hint that his days as a football star may be nearing an end while speaking with brother Jason on their New Heights podcast.
'Yeah, feeling it [injuries] now more than ever. It is what it is,' the Chiefs star admitted.
'The surgeries take a toll, man. They take a toll. I was unfortunate I got the knee surgery but fortunate I haven't had any problems with that situation since then.'
Kelce has suggested that struggles with fitness could force him to walk away from the sport
Jason interjected: 'I would say a successful surgery. You've been available - I know you missed a game earlier this year but you've been available.'
'1000%,' Travis replied. 'Every one of them lingers though. And it is what it is.'
Jason responded: 'What bothers you the most?'
'I don't know if I want to say,' Travis said. 'I don't want to tell, I don't want to give this to defenses.'
This season, Kelce has recorded 80 receptions for 896 yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs aim to retain their Super Bowl crown.