“I know Coach Reid is gonna do what’s best for the time and right now I’m not quite sure exactly how it’s gonna play out” Travis kelce said…

The Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) had absolutely nothing riding on their final regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers (5-12). With the No. 3 seed locked in with a win or a loss, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid chose to rest several key starters.

Reid initially left the door open for Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to play on Sunday, but the 34-year-old was ultimately listed as inactive ahead of kickoff. Kelce was 16 yards away from notching his eighth consecutive season with over 1,000 yards. The future Hall of Famer’s historic streak came to an end by not playing in Week 18.

The decision didn’t come as a huge surprise. Risking an injury to the team’s best offensive player in a zero-consequence game would be a huge gamble. However, it was assumed that Reid made the final call. Kelce suggested as such on the January 5 episode of his “New Heights” podcast. “I know Coach Reid is gonna do what’s best for the time and right now I’m not quite sure exactly how it’s gonna play out [and] if guys are gonna sit, what guys are gonna get elevated,” Kelce said.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Reid revealed that it was actually Kelce who made the decision. “Travis is a humble, humble guy,” Reid said. “He didn’t want to come across as selfish. All the players wanted him to play. But he just goes, ‘Ya know? I don’t like the way it feels.’ He’s not into that. And so he chose not to play. I completely understand it. But that’s him. Most guys would’ve gone out and probably done it.”

Reid said he would’ve let Kelce go in to nab 17 yards and then taken him out. But, Reid said, Kelce told him he has a lot of records. “I’m not going to do it this way,” Kelce said, according to Reid. In addition to Kelce, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn’t play against the Chargers. Kadarius Toney, Donovan Smith, Rashee Rice, Mike Danna and L’Jarius Sneed were also inactive.