Rob Gronkowski Predicts Travis Kelce 'Will Not Be Back Next Season' With Chiefs: 'Father Time’s Got Him'

NEED TO KNOW

• Rob Gronkowski shared his prediction on Travis Kelce's retirement plans when asked by Up & Adams host Kay Adams on Thursday, Dec. 18
• The retired NFL star cited several factors that may factor into the tight end's decision
• Gronk also praised his athletic abilities and his slew of career accomplishments to date

Rob Gronkowski knows the feeling, from one tight end to another.

The retired NFL star, 36, shared his take on Travis Kelce's future amid rumors that the three-time Super Bowl winner will retire at the end of the NFL season.

Gronkowski was asked by host Kay Adams what his "gut" tells him about Kelce, during his appearance on FanDuel TV's Up & Adams on Thursday, Dec. 18.

"My gut tells me about Travis Kelce is that he will not be back next year," he said on the show. "He has had a significant career, Kay... He has had an excellent year once again this year. He is a top tight end in the NFL. I'm not sure exactly what his stats are, but I know he's producing."

"And if any team can get the type of production that he's having this year, I mean, I'm talking like 25 other teams would take him in a heartbeat," Gronkowski continued of Kelce.

"He's getting first downs, he's moving the chains," he said, adding, "But we're just so used to Travis Kelce playing at such a high level that he has been doing his whole entire career that know Father Time has gotten to him a little bit."

Still, Gronkowski recognized that Kelce is a "great tight end." He did note, though, a few other factors that are adding to the full picture.

"In the end, overall where the Kansas City Chiefs are with Patrick Mahomes getting hurt, with everything else that's going on in Travis Kelce's life, I think this is his last year," he doubled down. "And what a heck of a career he has had. No doubt about that."

The Chiefs saw a disappointing end to their playoff hopes. On Dec. 14, the reigning AFC champs were crushed by the Los Angeles Chargers, which eliminated them from playoff contention for the first time in a decade.

Mahomes also suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth quarter after tearing his ACL, and will now undergo rehab.

The day after the Chiefs-Chargers game, Jason Kelce shared his perspective on his brother Travis' retirement plans when asked about it on Monday Night Countdown. He also offered his advice, knowing what it's like to hang up his cleats after a 13-season career.

"In my opinion, to nail that decision, you gotta step away from the game for a little bit," the retired Philadelphia Eagles star said while addressing questions about his brother's next move.

"Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coaches... and then let it sink in. It'll come to you with time," he continued. "There are so many emotions with this game right after a season, especially with the way this one's been."

"Right now, it's just too fresh," Jason said. "You've gotta step away from it, you've gotta think about it and then it'll come to you."

Kelce may have subconsciously dropped hints himself about his rumored retirement plans on the Dec. 17 episode of New Heights when he looked ahead to next season.

Read the original article on People