Travis Kelce wins but angers fans: Why are they asking him to retire from the NFL?

The Chiefs tight end was criticized

Travis KelceLAPRESSE

If it’s not Taylor Swift getting blamed for distracting the Chiefs by simply existing in the stands, her boyfriend Travis Kelce is copping the blame for the increase in the Chiefs’ dropped passes.

In their freezing wild-card playoff against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Kelce was guilty of dropping the ball after a simple throw from Patrick Mahomes.

Some might have cut him some slack given the -4 degree temperatures inside Arrowhead Stadium, as well as the the fact Chiefs were leading 16-7 at halftime.

But that didn’t stop his critics from calling for Kelce to call time on his career at the end of the season, with some claiming he has lost his elite ability.

“Travis Kelce needs to retire man. That boy doesn’t have it anymore.” Another said: “Time for big bro to hang them cleats up not gon lie.”

Another suggested his relationship with Swift was behind his recent decline, adding: “Travis just needs to retire and ride off into the sunset. Just not the same since T-Swift came into the picture.”

While some would point to his age as an indicator that he may be past his best, some would do well to offer some respect to the tight end.

Kelce is a nine-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro selection, and is easily regarded as one of the best in NFL history in his position. His role in the Super Bowl was unquestionable, scoring the Chiefs’ opening touchdown in the first quarter in the 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Travis Kelce reveals stance on retiring

Ultimately, the decision rests mainly on Kelce in deciding when he will step away from football. And with no risk of him getting cut by the Chiefs anytime soon, he is keen to continue playing at the highest level.

In a recent interview, the Ohio native says he ‘loves’ coming into practice every day and remains motivated to carry on playing for some time yet.

“I love it. We still have success, come in with the right mindset,” Kelce said.

“I just love the challenge that it gives me every single day to try to be my best. Like I said, I have no desire to stop anytime soon.”