For the first time since the 2018 NFL season, tight end Travis Kelce made a return to his hometown when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-7 on Sunday afternoon.
Kelce grew up just 30 minutes outside of Cleveland in a town called Westlake. He has played back home professionally only twice, winning both games by a combined 30 points, with the 2018 contest ending with a final score of 37-21.
On the latest edition of "New Heights," hosted by Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, the former Cincinnati Bearcats tight end discussed an emotional return home.
"I just love that city, man," Travis Kelce said. "It was so fun. When we flew in, I felt like a tour guide, just telling everybody every single city we were going past. Every monument, every building... I have such a love and appreciation for how we grew up and the fun that we had."
Then, Travis Kelce may have also hinted at his future retirement from football.
"It felt so surreal," Travis Kelce added. "I don't know if it's the last time I'll ever play in Cleveland, but it kind of felt like I was giving it one last hurrah before I'm done. I've only played there twice in 12 years. Unless we get thrown out there in the next couple, I don't really see it ever happening again."
Travis Kelce had already hinted at the limited number of games he has left when discussing Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez's longevity during a previous episode of his podcast.
"... [Gonzalez] played 210 games?” Travis Kelce commented. "I don’t know if I can... that’s almost 40 more games. I don’t know if I can play 40 more!"
In two games in Cleveland, Kelce has recorded 11 catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns, with both scores coming in his first homecoming. On Sunday, the three-time Super Bowl winner didn't have a huge impact on the stat sheet, only tallying four catches for 27 yards.
Still, the Chiefs got their largest win of the 2024 season, moving to 13-1, the best record in the league. In Week 16, Kansas City will play one final home game of 2024 when the Houston Texans roll into GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
