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The Kansas City Chiefs have returned to winning ways after a shaky start. The Super Bowl runner-ups from last season lost three of their first five games, triggering concerns about the end of their dynastic run. Since then, the Chiefs have rediscovered their winning form. Amidst this on-field success, the Chiefs have another major development to cheer surrounding Travis Kelce’s backup, Noah Gray. Chiefs tight end Noah Gray had reason to celebrate off the field this week, announcing that he and his wife, Mary Elise, are expecting their second daughter. The couple welcomed their first child, Naomi, in March 2024. Gray shared the happy news in an Instagram post, marking another milestone in what’s been a memorable year for the Kansas City standout. He captioned it as “Noah’s girl army is getting a tiny bit bigger 🎀🩰” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Noah and Mary met as students at Duke University and started dating. The couple then got married in Marietta, Georgia, in 2022. Celebrating this wholesome moment, various Kansas players shared their wishes via social media. The Chiefs’ backup TE has perfectly executed his role with nine receptions for 75 yards while averaging 8.3 yards per catch. But this new beginning could also coincide with a starting role for the 27-year-old with Chiefs TE1 Travis Kelce, hinting at retirement. The 36-year-old veteran TE is on the last deal of his contract and hasn’t committed to an extension yet. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Despite entering the season declaring, “I’m feeling young and ready to rock, baby,” Travis Kelce has now hinted that retirement could be nearing after the Chiefs’ 27-8 win over the Commanders, saying, “We’re cherishing every single one of these games, not knowing how long we’ll be able to do this.” If Kelce does decide to hang up his cleats, Noah Gray would become the de facto tight end 1, a major career boost but also a challenge. Stepping into Kelce’s massive shoes would bring heightened expectations, and Gray will need to establish his own identity as he steps into the spotlight. Despite these comments, Travis Kelce doesn’t seem to stop performing at an elite level. Against Washington, Kelce had a team-high six receptions on eight targets for 99 yards. Now, if Kelce does decide to call it a career, Noah Gray could finally have a platform to showcase his talent as a starting tight-end for the almighty Chiefs. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad How has Travis Kelce reacted to retirement questions? Even before the start of the season, Travis Kelce has been hit with questions about his future in the league. But the closest anyone has come to a confrontation has been his brother and former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce. Ahead of the Chiefs’ Week 5 Monday Night Football clash, Jason interviewed his brother Travis alongside Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid for ESPN. The trio answered a myriad of questions about their disappointing start to the season before the younger Kelce was asked, “How many more do you got left? How are you approaching this season?” Travis was quick to respond that he is not looking that far into the future. “I take it day by day, year by year,” Travis Kelce replied. “I just love coming into work with these guys right here. The culture has become my way of life. The expectation every single year, year in and year out, is a Super Bowl.” With the Kansas City Chiefs looking like their championship-winning selves, will Travis Kelce ride into the sunset after this season? Or will the 36-year-old continue to push forward and assert himself as the greatest tight end in NFL history?
