timeRavi Scales Entering 2026 National Football League Retirement questions ensue for the season, but kansas city chiefs After another impressive milestone, the star made his intentions clear.
The 36-year-old tight end was rumored to retire after the 2025 season, but he returned for another season under a contract that provides both parties with flexibility beyond 2026.
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Kielce When asked about his future, he was direct ESPNof Chris Berman.
“I don’t want this to go away” Kielce explain. “I want to keep playing until the wheels fall off.
“I still want to play and I still think I can compete at a high level.
“I love this game so much that I’m not ready to move on to the next level.”
although Kielce has publicly stated that he wants to continue playing, and his contract has given chiefs There was a clear decision point at the end of the season. The deal includes $12 million in fully guaranteed compensation through 2026.
The agreement uses two blank years to set the salary cap, lowering his 2026 cap hit to about $4.9 million while setting a June 2027 deadline that will determine whether the arrangement continues.
This structure leaves open space for the future rather than guaranteeing another three seasons. kansas city. If he stays healthy and productive, a new chapter is possible, but retirement is still an option.
For now, his message is simple: He’s not ready to leave the game. After help chiefs To start the season with a declaration of victory, Kielce Still want to see how far he can go.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce
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at present, Kielce He caught three passes for 71 yards, reinforcing his confidence in his talents on the field. kansas city In the end, they won 31-10, and his greatest contribution also wrote another history.
59 yards reception Patrick Mahomessurpass him in the third quarter Jason Witten And ranks second on the all-time receiving yardage list among tight ends.
He entered the game needing 45 yards passing Witten13,046. He has 13,073 career receiving yards, leaving only great receiving yards. Tony Gonzalez in front of him.
Gonzalez Finished his career with 15,127 receiving yards Kielce 2,054 yards behind long-term mark chiefs star, but he knows it will take a considerable amount of longevity to close that gap.
The veteran jokingly talks about the challenges new heights Podcast, Admit Capture Gonzalez This means his career will be significantly extended beyond future seasons.
“I’ve got another five years to play before I can catch up to Tony.” Kielce jokingly highlighting the huge gap between his current total and the all-time record.
Still, the milestone cemented his status among the league’s most productive tight ends. National Football League history.