In what could easily be a plotline for a buddy comedy, Kansas City Chiefs' defensive tackle Chris Jones has made a heartfelt plea to teammate Travis Kelce, urging him not to consider retirement and even offering to wash Kelce's cleats for life. Yes, Chris Jones, millionaire and highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, is ready to scrub some shoes if it means keeping his friend on the field (New York Post; Fox News).

Jones seems to believe Kelce has plenty of gas left in the tank, estimating that Kelce could play for another "four or five years" (New York Post; Fox News). This might seem optimistic considering Kelce himself acknowledged he’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning (New York Post; Fox News).

Just recently, both players inked new deals with the Chiefs, so they're locked into Kansas City for the foreseeable future. Jones signed a mammoth five-year extension worth nearly $160 million, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history (Fox News). This isn't the sort of money one earns to kick back and relax but more to block kicks and sack quarterbacks.

On the flip side, Kelce secured a two-year extension worth $34.25 million, with $17 million guaranteed (Fox News). While not quite Jones-level riches, it's certainly enough to ensure Kelce never has to step foot in a Dollar Store.

The bond between the two extends beyond finances and football stats. Both have been crucial to the Chiefs' recent triumphs, including their bid to win three consecutive Super Bowls (New York Post; Fox News). This sort of ambition is likely driving Jones's over-the-top offer to be Kelce’s lifelong cleat-washer, which some might argue adds a touch of drama and comedy to an otherwise gritty sport.

Adding another layer to this saga is the fact that Kelce's brother, Jason Kelce, retired from the NFL in March after a 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He swapped his helmet for a microphone and joined ESPN's 'Monday Night Football' as an analyst (New York Post). This career pivot by his older brother could easily tempt Travis, given the allure of a cushy analyst gig over another brutal season on the gridiron. But will familial influence be strong enough to draw him off the field?

Despite these temptations and the reality of aging bodies, Jones and Kelce are far from swan song territory. They both aim to leave a lasting legacy with the Chiefs, which seems entirely possible when your team is a well-oiled machine. Kelce’s exceptional receptions and crucial blocks are vital cogs in this machine, and Jones knows it (Fox News).

So, will Travis Kelce defy the allure of retirement and cushy television studios? Only time will tell, but with Jones ready to don an apron and adjust to the scent of shoe polish, there's a strong argument to be made for sticking around a bit longer. After all, lifelong cleat-washing offers don't come around every day. It might just be the invaluable locker-room humor that retains the Chiefs' edge (New York Post; Fox News).

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