Before last season, Travis Kelce was a great player for the Kansas City Chiefs, a Super Bowl winner and one of the lethal weapons in Patrick Mahomes‘ offense. But since a year ago, when his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift became known, Travis acquired a star fame that he did not have before, and although he won the Super Bowl again, things this season have not been the same as before.
In fact, his numbers this season have been disappointing, and many fans blame his lack of focus on spending more time with Swift than concentrating on football. Yes, Kelce hasn’t been the same, but all superstars go through bumps in their game. At least that’s what Chiefs coach Andy Reid argues.
Andy Reid isn’t sweating Travis Kelce‘s slow start, even though some Chiefs fans and fantasy football managers might be a bit anxious. Kelce, known for averaging 61.9 yards per game over his stellar career, has only racked up 69 yards on eight catches through three games this season. To add to that, the 34-year-old tight end has yet to score a touchdown, which has people speculating that maybe age is catching up to him.
Some critics, like Todd McShay, have even pointed the finger at Kelce’s “partying” with Taylor Swift during the offseason. But Reid is having none of it. He shrugged off the concerns and made it clear he’s not buying into the narrative that Kelce’s best days are behind him. “I know people are saying that he’s old or that he has distractions, but defenses don’t think that,” Reid stated confidently, as reported by Charles Goldman from A to Z Sports.
Reid shrugs off critics: “Trav is fine and working hard”
In Reid’s eyes, Kelce is still doing what he’s always done-working hard and being the key player he’s known for. “Trav is fine,” Reid reassured. “He just keeps being Trav. He works his tail off. He hasn’t lost a step. He’s not distracted. [Defenses] are making sure he’s taken care of.” For Reid, it’s only a matter of time before Kelce finds his groove again.
Kelce himself isn’t sweating it either. On his podcast, The New Heights, he expressed that he’s not concerned about personal stats or targets as long as the Kansas City Chiefs are winning. “Whatever it is, it’s football, baby,” Kelce said with his usual laid-back attitude. “Come on now. I’m not getting caught up in getting the targets and all that. I just want to have a successful offense.”
As long as the Chiefs are rolling with a 3-0 record, Kelce seems content, and fans might want to take the same approach. With the upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kelce has another chance to remind everyone why he’s still one of the best in the game.