Travis Kelce Sends Message on Unfortunate Decision

As Kelce continues to ponder retirement a few weeks into the offseason, he has also kept things going on his podcast, “New Heights,” alongside his brother Jason. But on Monday, the Chiefs star popped up on a different show, making a guest appearance on “Monday Mornings with Mitch.” Kelce wasn’t the only familiar face, either, as former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith joined the episode as well.

Smith and Kelce spent five years together in Kansas City from 2013 to 2017. And on Monday's podcast, Kelce had to thank his former quarterback for being "an instrumental part of his career."

“I wanted to get on here and ask a question, but first, say thank you for being such an instrumental part of my career," Kelce said. "I truly mean that. I wouldn’t be where I am today without learning how to be a pro from you. And not being afraid to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes and to stay positive from the ups and downs of an NFL football game."

Kelce went on to recall a moment from the 2017 season when he made his first NFL pass attempt in a 12-9 overtime loss to the New York Giants. That throw also resulted in his first career interception, but Kelce never forgot what Smith had to say after the tight end's "bonehead" decision.

"I remember a game in New York where you threw me the ball that I kind of gung ho’d the whole situation, threw it 40 yards down the field to somebody I wasn’t supposed to," Kelce added. "Bonehead move. Interception, fourth quarter, game on the line. I just lost the game for the team in my mind. You come over to me as I’m hanging my head. You tap me on the chest, and you go, ‘Dude, just think of it like a punt. You’re playing field position.’

"Even though it was second down, field position. Defense gets a stop. We get the ball back, we go down and score... That’s the mentality that you helped me develop, no matter what stupid decisions I make through a football game. And thank you for that.”

The Chiefs will continue building toward the 2026 NFL season as they look to return to the playoffs. And if Kelce does come back, he will be working with a new offensive coordinator, as Eric Bieniemy has returned to replace Matt Nagy.