RM Raiders Linebacker Shares Strong Opinions on Travis Kelce’s Legacy Amid Retirement Rumors
As the NFL off-season approaches, speculation surrounding Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s future continues to heat up. With Kelce’s contract set to expire and his 36th birthday looming, many are wondering whether the future Hall of Famer will retire after an illustrious career or return for another season.
The Chiefs are already dealing with quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from a significant knee injury, and the potential loss of Kelce would mark the end of an era for the team. As the Chiefs prepare for their Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, one opposing player is already weighing in on the situation: linebacker Devin White of the Raiders.
Devin White Praises Kelce’s All-Time Greatness
Devin White, who is a Super Bowl champion and former Pro Bowler with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has faced Kelce in several high-stakes games. Having seen the Chiefs tight end at his peak, White offered high praise for Kelce’s legacy and what he’s accomplished throughout his career.
White believes that Kelce will go down as the greatest tight end to ever play the game, a title he has earned through his exceptional skills, work ethic, and competitive spirit.
“I think he’ll go down as the best ever,” White said. “I’ve played against some talented tight ends, but Kelce stands out. His ability to get open, the swagger he plays with, and the emotion he brings to the field make him truly special. Those things, combined with his Super Bowls, All-Pro selections, and Pro Bowls, will secure his place in the Hall of Fame.”
White highlighted Kelce’s unique ability to stay productive and relevant even in the later years of his career. While some players may lose their edge as they age, Kelce has continued to perform at a high level, which has impressed many of his peers.
Kelce’s Potential Future and White’s Confidence in His Ability
As the 2023 season comes to a close, the future of Kelce’s career remains uncertain. However, White believes that the veteran tight end still has plenty left to offer if he chooses to return for another season in 2026.
“Kelce has whatever he needs to continue playing at a high level,” White said. “It’s up to him whether he feels he can go on. I’ve seen players like Aaron Donald, who still had more left in the tank, but chose to retire after winning a Super Bowl. It all comes down to how a player feels mentally and physically.”
In White’s view, if Kelce does decide to retire, his legacy is already secured as one of the best to ever play the position. But if Kelce chooses to return for another season, White is ready to compete against him once more.
“If Kelce decides to hang it up, congrats on a Hall of Fame career,” White said. “If he comes back and I’m still here, we’ll go at it for a few more years. That’s the respect I have for him.”
Kelce’s 2023 Season Performance
Despite being in his 13th NFL season, Kelce has shown no signs of slowing down. In 16 games this season, he has recorded 73 receptions for 839 yards and 5 touchdowns. While his reception count is down from last year, his yards and touchdowns have increased, indicating that he’s still capable of making an impact on the field. His 11.5 yards per reception and 63.7% success rate are his best since 2020, and his 5.8 yards after the catch per reception is his highest in three years.
Kelce continues to be a top performer, ranking third among all tight ends in target share (19.65%) and total expected points added (EPA) with 70.29.
A Legacy That Will Last
Whether Kelce decides to retire or return for another season, there’s no doubt that his career will be remembered as one of the greatest in NFL history. As players like Devin White acknowledge, Kelce’s combination of skill, passion, and drive have made him a fan favorite and a standout in a league filled with talent.
Kelce may be nearing the end of his career, but his legacy is already set in stone. If he does retire, he will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer—one of the best to ever play the game.
