• Travis Kelce Sends Strong Message on New Career Move Amid Retirement Rumors

Following the Kansas City Chiefs‘ 40-22 blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, tight end Travis Kelce is taking time to decide whether he returns to play next season.

“As you see yourself or not feel yourself have the success that you once used to have, it’s a tough pill to swallow,” he said on last week’s episode of his “New Heights” podcast. “And then on top of that, to not be there in the biggest moments, knowing your team’s counting on you. It’s just a tough reality.”I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, that it’s gonna be something that it’s a wholehearted decision. I’m not half-assing it… I think I could play; it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person, to take on all that responsibility.”

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Should Kelce decide to retire after 12 years in the NFL, he’s already laid the groundwork to have a successful career in the entertainment industry. In addition to making his scripted acting debut on the FX’s, “Grotesquerie,” he’s making a cameo in the upcoming film, “Happy Gilmore 2.”

Kelce also started a new venture behind the camera, signing on to executive produce his first film, “My Dead Friend Zoe,” which premieres in theaters on Feb. 28. While the 35-year-old All-Pro is laying low along with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, following the Super Bowl, he sent a strong message on his latest project on Feb. 19.”Being part of ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ as an executive producer has been an incredible experience,” he told People. “My hope is to continue working on meaningful projects like this — stories that entertain, inspire and make a real impact.” The 10-time Pro-Bowler is “proud to be a part of” of a movie “that tells a powerful story and puts two strong female characters at the forefront. Sonequa (Martin-Green) and Natalie (Morales) bring depth and authenticity to their performances, highlighting the strength, resilience and leadership of women in the military.”