Speculation linking Travis Kelce with retirement has gathered momentum after the Kansas City Chiefs were ruled out of the play-offs for the first time in more than a decade.
The Chiefs fell to a 16-13 regular-season defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers, a result that confirmed they would miss out on the play-offs for the first time since 2014.
It was the team's third consecutive loss and their fifth defeat in six matches, leaving them with a 6-8 record.
This season has been a significant disappointment for the Chiefs, who only narrowly missed out on a historic Super Bowl three-peat in February.
Advert
To make matters worse, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was forced off injured with just two minutes remaining against the Chargers.
The Chiefs later confirmed the two-time NFL MVP had torn his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Meanwhile, rumours that Kelce, 36, may have played his final game in the NFL have continued to build.
Last month, Kelce confirmed he would wait until the end of the season before making a decision on his future.
As per Sky Sports, he said: "It's one of those things where I'd like to make that decision before they have draft picks and free agency opens and they can go out there and fill the roster appropriately.
"All of that will be after the season.
"I won't think about it until then."
Kelce's fiancée and pop superstar Taylor Swift was among those in attendance on Sunday, alongside Kelce's family and Swift's mother, Andrea Swift.
Fans on social media suggested the number of family members present could indicate it was one of the final appearances for the Chiefs star.
There are only three regular-season games remaining, including just one home game against the Denver Broncos.
That match against the Broncos falls on Christmas Day, leading fans to point out that the Chargers game may have been the final opportunity for Kelce's family to watch him in action.
Among those in the crowd were the daughters of Jason and Kylie Kelce.
Fans noted they have not been seen attending a Chiefs game since 2023, adding to speculation surrounding the match.
Although Swift has not publicly commented on Kelce's potential retirement, the tight end has previously spoken about the encouragement she has offered throughout his career.
In January, Kelce said: "She's fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game.
"She loves coming to Arrowhead and coming to the games and cheering for me, so I've got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams."
Topics: Travis Kelce, NFL, Patrick Mahomes, Football, Super Bowl
James Taylor