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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Andy Nesbitt

Travis Kelce Had Very Classy Reason for Opting to Sit Out Chiefs’ Finale vs. Chargers

Travis Kelce had a great chance of making more NFL history in Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs-Los Angeles Chargers game at SoFi Stadium, but he instead opted to sit out and watch his teammates from the sideline

After the game, we found out why–according to Chiefs coach Andy Reid, Kelce decided not to play because he thought going after a personal milestone would be selfish.

MORE: Fans Livid At NFL, NBC for Putting AFC Playoff Game on Peacock Only

Kelce needed just 16 receiving yards to extend his NFL-record streak of 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end to eight straight years. 

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce waves to fans before Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Kelce felt he would be better off getting some rest for the postseason and “didn’t like the way it felt” to possibly play in the game just to get to 1,000 yards. Plus, the Chiefs already had the AFC’s No. 3 seed locked up.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones had a very good reason for playing, as his sack in the third quarter allowed him to pick up a $1.25 million bonus, which his teammates rightfully loved seeing him get. Jones came out of the game after getting the sack. Kelce didn’t have any contract incentives to play for. 

The Chiefs will host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night, a game that will air exclusively on NBC’s Peacock streaming service

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