Olsen, Kelce Hold Timely Discussion on Retiring Too Early

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Greg Olsen is widely considered the best color commentator in the NFL.

He also serves on the most ridiculous coaching staff since the first pig surrendered his hide to produce a football. Olsen coaches on a Charlotte Christian Middle School staff that includes former Panthers teammates Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Stewart.

greg olsen, rob gronkowsk — Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen with Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The juice

But this week on the New Heights podcast, with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce listening intently to every word, Olsen hinted that he missed something invaluable, something that coaching 13-year-old quarterbacks and calling NFL showdowns on FOX can’t replace.

“As fun as gameday is in the booth,” Olsen told Kelce on this week’s edition of the podcast, “and on set and in the studio, it's just different. You're watching these guys prepare for the game. You're watching warmups. You're watching the thrill of victory, the agony of these bone crushing losses, the locker room, the guys, the relationships, the hard times.

“You're never going to fill that, like that never gets filled. What we do in TV is really close to it, like you're in the juice.”

But it’s not the same juice as strapping on shoulder pads and lining up against a linebacker in single-digit wind chills. Olsen was referring to potentially becoming an NFL assistant coach but he might as well have been talking about resurrecting his playing career. Rob Gronkowski, Brett Favre and plenty of others walked away too early, only to return.

And even though Kelce could reportedly command eight figures in compensation for diving into television – the route Olsen chose immediately after his 14th year in the NFL – Chiefs followers have to wonder whether Olsen’s words affected Kelce’s decision.

biemiemy — Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kelce should have clear path to TV, should he retire

After all, Kelce hasn’t decided whether he’ll play in his 14th season. And after Monday, Kelce now knows that the offensive coordinator who helped him author his three best NFL seasons, Eric Bieniemy, is returning to the Chiefs’ staff.

“I think Travis Kelce is one who -- if he retires -- definitely could do TV,” said insider Andrew Marchand Jan. 5 on the Marchand Sports Media podcast. “I think he wants to do games so that’s one to watch.”

kelce, swift, mahome — Sep 8, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes look on in the men’s singles final of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images | Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Something else to watch is the most anticipated wedding since Princess Diana walked down the aisle in 1981. Kelce marries Taylor Swift on June 13, and the Chiefs’ tight end needs to prepare for one of the all-time best bachelor parties, with his best-man brother in charge.

That brother, Jason Kelce, played 13 seasons the NFL and no doubt will serve as Travis’ No. 1 advisor on whether he returns for Year 14 with the Chiefs – or any team, for that matter. Kelce’s contract expires on March 11 and Kansas City would need to re-sign him.

Chiefs Kingdom, the NFL draft is on approach, but your first-round pick is OnSI. You’ve found your best stop for the best analysis on your beloved Chiefs. And, don’t forget to sign up for a FREE newsletter – with all the latest emailed each day … SIGN UP HERE NOW.