During the acceptance of the Derrick Thomas Award at the NFL’s 101 Awards, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, 28, humorously remarked about his teammate Travis Kelce’s veteran status, just weeks after Kelce’s older brother, Jason Kelce, announced his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles at 34.
Reflecting on the team’s aspirations, Mahomes praised the hunger and determination of their new wide receiver, Marquise Brown, emphasizing his desire to contribute to the Chiefs’ pursuit of greatness. In a light-hearted jab, Mahomes acknowledged the age discrepancy within the team, playfully singling out Kelce, who at 34 is six years his senior, as one of the more seasoned players on the roster.
Kelce, the second-oldest active player on the Chiefs’ roster after James Winchester, is still considered relatively young in the NFL landscape, where players are often deemed “old” once they cross the threshold of 30. Despite this, there have been numerous players who have defied age expectations, with some continuing to excel into their 40s, a feat exemplified by Tom Brady’s remarkable career. Considering Kelce’s performance and dedication, it’s plausible he could continue to contribute for at least a couple more seasons, following a similar trajectory to his brother Jason, who retired at 36 after a distinguished career with the Eagles.
