Travis Kelce reacts to brutal Patrick Mahomes injury, Chiefs missing playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs lost star quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the season to a torn ACL and torn LCL that he suffered on Dec. 14, the same day the Chiefs were eliminated from the playoffs via a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. 

During the latest edition of the "New Heights" podcast, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reacted to what was a difficult weekend for everybody associated with the franchise. 

Patrick Mahomes injury "was almost like it wasn't real" for Travis Kelce

"It's never easy seeing your guys go down," Kelce said, per Rachel McRady of People. "...And on a freakish play to see one-five go down like that, man, it f------, it was almost like it wasn't real. And s--- just sucks, man." 

Mahomes underwent successful surgery on December 15 in an apparent attempt to return to action as soon as possible. A subsequent report hinted that the three-time Super Bowl champion wants to start for the Chiefs in their 2026 regular-season opener. 

His rehab is reportedly expected to last "nine months or so." 

"He's a warrior, man," Kelce added about Mahomes. "I'm telling you. This guy's played through everything, battled through everything, has been crowned champion because he's battled through everything, and he's gonna battle through this. It's the only way this guy is wired, man. He's a fearless, fearless warrior when it comes to this football thing, and he's gonna make sure that he comes back stronger than ever."

How Travis Kelce plans to treat rest of season

As Charles Curtis of For The Win shared, Kelce confirmed during the podcast that he plans to play in Kansas City's final three games even though the club can't qualify for the playoffs. It's unknown if Kelce, 36, will retire before he marries entertainment superstar Taylor Swift in June 2026.

"[Missing the playoffs is] obviously f----- up, but it's a new feeling, so all I know is to go out there and play my [butt] off and to show up and give my guys the best chance to win," Kelce said about remaining active through Week 18. "That's the mentality. There's an integrity thing here. When you sign up for the gig, you're living out your dreams. You're living out a kid's dream that never got to do this."

The 6-8 Chiefs next play at the 2-12 Tennessee Titans in Week 16. Kansas City's final home game of the season will occur when the club hosts the rival Denver Broncos on Christmas night.