The Super Bowl always comes with a brutal sense of immediacy. After months of intense preparation, it can suddenly feel like everything stops. The NFL season concludes with one team celebrating under a shower of confetti, while the other team is left in shock from a loss, regardless of whether it’s a nail-biter or a blowout like the Eagles delivered against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end, reflected on his performance on his podcast “New Heights,” expressing regret about his leadership. “I was kicking myself for some of the tiny, tiny decisions I made on the field. I wasn’t the best leader I could be in motivating my guys and keeping them calm,” he remarked.

Kelce emphasized the challenges of being in high-stakes games and acknowledged feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the sport. He is seriously contemplating his future in the NFL, noting, “I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions right now, but the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and coaches.”

He reflected that the physical toll has been significant, considering he has played more football in the past few years than most players due to the Chiefs’ playoff success, stating, “It’s a tough pill to swallow. I have a beautiful life and a supportive family, but it’s just a hard reality.”

Ultimately, Travis represents the struggle many veteran players face when contemplating life after football.