Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is defending Travis Kelce amid concerns over his disappointing start to the NFL season.
Kelce is coming off the worst numbers of his career so far in 2024, having just eight catches for just 69 yards, the fewest he’s ever had in a three-game span for the Chiefs.
Many are wondering if the legendary tight end’s dedication to football has waned after his stormy relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, with some even calling for his retirement now that he’s approaching 35.
But Reid, under whom Kelce won three Super Bowls in Kansas City, said the reactions to his slow start were far too intense.
The iconic Chiefs coach insists that Travis is not distracted and has certainly not “taken a step back.” Instead, he suggests that the NFL defense is holding him back because of his quality.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (left) has jumped to Travis Kelce’s defense amid concerns over his disappointing start to the NFL season
“I know people say he’s old or he’s got distractions, but the defense doesn’t think that way,” Reid said of Kelce on Wednesday. “Trav’s fine. He’s just Trav. He’s working his ass off.
“He hasn’t taken a step backward. He hasn’t been distracted. (Defense) is making sure he’s taken care of.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made the same claim about his teammate following their win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
I mean the respect factor [defenses] “It’s still surreal for Travis and it’s well deserved,” Mahomes said. “We call a lot of plays for Travis and it’s like two or three people go to him.
“He gets it. That’s the beauty of him. He wants to make an impact on the game, but he ultimately wants to win.”
‘I’m going to do my best to keep giving him the ball when he’s there, when he’s free.
“I think the more Rashee (Rice) plays, the more we can run and the more we can get (Xavier) Worthy involved. I think that frees up Travis.
Kelce has posted the worst numbers of his career so far for the Super Bowl champions in 2024
But Reid is adamant his tight end is fully focused, despite claims his romance with Taylor Swift is distracting him.
“People really try to take him away, but it actually makes other guys open up.”
In every season of his career so far, Kelce has averaged over 10 yards per reception per game, but this season he’s at 8.6 and has just eight catches through three games.
While the Chiefs managed to win all three of their games — against the Ravens, Bengals and Falcons — Mahomes has gotten the ball to his best friend far less often than many expected.
Amid fierce criticism of his current form with the Chiefs, Kelce spoke out on the matter this week on the latest episode of the podcast New Heights, which he and his brother Jason co-produce.
The NFL legend, who looked miserable on the Kansas City bench in Atlanta after his girlfriend Swift missed her first game of the season, admitted he’s not too concerned with his individual stats as long as the team keeps winning.
“I’ve had a lot of catches in this league, man,” Kelce said. “I don’t worry about the catches and the yards and all that, I have the most fun when I get the ball my way, I mean, who doesn’t?
Kelce broke his silence on criticism of his slow start to the season at New Heights
“It’s all about execution and making sure we do everything we can to win these football games, that’s always going to be the goal. I think everyone saw my drop in the fourth quarter and the crucial third down, just trying to do too much before I threw the ball away.
“That’s probably the biggest thing for me, is making the play in big moments like this. I think with the way defenses are playing us right now, I don’t really get a lot of opportunities to make plays on the field, but I don’t use that as an excuse.
“Looking forward, still trying to make sure I can help the team in that area, knowing that I’ve been that weapon for us in the past. Looking forward, everyone’s just adjusting their game in the right direction.”