Travis Kelce Talks 'Unfamiliar Territory' After Chiefs' Playoff Elimination: 'It's A New Feeling'

Travis Kelce is still as hyped up as ever about the remaining three games of the season, even though they are just mere formalities after the Kansas City Chiefs crashed out of the playoffs.

The tight end said it's "unfamiliar territory" for most of his teammates after winning three of the last six Super Bowls, but considers it a "f-cking blessing" to be playing at the highest level.

There were previously rumors that Travis Kelce would retire after losing the last Super Bowl, and now, with the Chiefs' dismal performance this season, many fans think this might just be it.

Travis Kelce And His Teammates Have Had A Disappointing Run This Season

There's essentially nothing to play for with the remaining games of the NFL regular season, but Travis Kelce isn't looking for excuses.

Following what turned out to be a disappointing season that had seen the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014, Travis and his teammates would have to pack it up and watch other stars battle for glory during the postseason.

During a chat with his brother, Jason Kelce, on his "New Heights" podcast, the star tight end weighed in on what it means for him, explaining that win or lose, it will always be an honor to play in the NFL.

"Like it's kind of unfamiliar territory at this point for a lot of guys in the building," Travis said about his teammates, noting that he's the "only one that's been on the team long enough to see [them] not make the playoffs or to play a game" that doesn't help them go further in the season.

"It's a new feeling. So, all I know is to go out there and play my -ss off and to show up and to, you know, give my guys the best chance to win," Travis continued. "There's an integrity thing here that when you sign up for the gig, you're living out your dreams, you're living out a kid's dream that never got a chance to do this."

Travis Kelce Says Playing In The NFL Is A 'F-cking Blessing'

The Chiefs' season suffered a further setback after star player Patrick Mahomes sustained a season-ending ACL injury.

It means Travis and his teammates would have to slug it out without their star quarterback if the Chiefs mustn't end the season worse than it already is.

Yet, the "New Heights" podcast co-host isn't taking a beating, explaining that "it's an honor" to play the game and feel the impact on his body, adding that he'll "go out there" if there's a game to be played.

He said, "You're playing this game, obviously, to win Super Bowls. You're playing this game to be in those playoff scenarios and stuff, but at the end of the day, man, you're playing in the NFL, and that's a f-cking blessing. That's an honor. It's an honor to be out there, it's an honor to feel the soreness after a game, 'cause you're actually out there. You're f-cking doing it."

The football player continued, "If there's a game to be had, baby, I'm gonna go out there, and I'm gonna love f-cking playing in it."

Patrick Mahomes 'Successfully' Underwent Surgery

The Chiefs have already taken to their social media page to share an update on Mahomes' injury scare, explaining that he had a "successful" surgery in Dallas.

"Patrick Mahomes successfully underwent surgery in Dallas this evening with Dr. Dan Cooper to repair the tear in his left ACL," the team wrote, adding that he "will begin his rehab process immediately."

ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that he's expected to begin rehab soon, but recovery time for such injuries takes at least 9 months.

With the three-time MVP ruled out until September next year, Travis noted that it's really hard on the team, but praised backup Gardner Minshew for coming in and playing hard.

The Chiefs' Quarterback Feels Like He Let People Down

During a Monday interview with "KC Sports Network," Chiefs coach Andy Reid opened up about visiting Mahomes "a couple different times," noting that the quarterback is now "in a good place," per People Magazine.

He then shared that the NFL star was a bit disappointed with his injury and his absence from his team for the next few games.

Reid noted that Mahomes "always feels like he let people down, but then he comes back, and he's ready for the challenge ahead, which is what's real right now, he's just got to get through surgery or whatever it might be and move on from there."

Travis Kelce Sparks Retirement Rumors

It comes amid speculations that this may be Travis's last season playing football, as fans have begun to wonder how much longer he can go at age 36.

Many speculated that he could have retired following the Chiefs' Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year. With the team's even more disappointing run this time around, many think he'll now hang up his boots and bid goodbye to his football career.

"Travis Kelce is going to do what Travis Kelce does just like Taylor Swift does," an X user wrote. "Here's the thing: if the Chiefs can't give him a one-year contract for any price for next season, he is going to retire, as this is his last season on his contract. I do not think he is going to go to another team. He is loyal to a fault. He is going to retire and enter the Hall of Fame as a Chief. While I would love for Travis to play another year, in the end, his agent has to negotiate with Veach on that."

According to TMZ, his brother Jason said earlier this week that he was going to advise him to take some time away from the game before making a decision.