By Andrew McCartyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Kansas City Chiefs are reeling after being eliminated from playoff contention and losing star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending knee injury.
A 16-13 loss to the Chargers proved costly as Kansas City will miss the playoff for the first time in the Mahomes era and just the second time in 13 seasons under head coach Andy Reid. As the team prepares for the final three games of the regular season, star tight end Travis Kelce knows they might the final three games of his career.
"It's just integrity, man," Kelce said following Friday's practice. "I signed up to be a Chief, and I love doing what I do. I know I've been dreaming of being in these moments and playing for an NFL team since I was a kid. Getting back to that will give you more motivation than you could ever need. That's just how you need to go about work, whether you're in the [playoff] race or not."
More Football: NFL Reaches Punishment Decision After Patrick Mahomes Incident vs Colts
...More NFL: NFL Reaches Punishment Decision on Travis Kelce After Chiefs-Texans
As Kelce prepares for the final three games, he was bracing for a potential punishment from the NFL after declining to speak with reporters following the 16-13 loss. According to Pro Football Talk, players who are not in the concussion protocol must make themselves available to the media when asked.
"Players have been fined in the past, if/when the failure to comply with media obligations becomes chronic, and if the media covering the team complains about it. Sometimes, the media doesn’t make waves," PFT said.
In the end, the NFL decided against a punishment for Kelce, who admitted a conversation with Mahomes sparked his decision not to speak with the media.
"I mean, that's my brother. I know everything he's going through and all that. But yeah, I'll just keep it personal," Kelce said. "I talked to him afterwards. I know it was before the MRI and stuff, but that's why I kinda chose not to speak to the media right after that game."
More Football: Harsh Punishment Announced for 2 Major Teams After Skipping Bowl Game
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