Jim Nantz’s public support of Travis Kelce during the tight end’s slow start to the season didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a special shoutout on the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by Travis and his older brother, Jason Kelce. As the Kelce brothers recapped the Kansas City Chiefs’ 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Jason highlighted how Nantz, CBS’s veteran play-by-play announcer, stood up for Travis amidst growing criticism from media pundits.
“A lot of noise throughout the week. Jim Nantz had your back on the broadcast,” said Jason Kelce, the retired Philadelphia Eagles center. “All week, hot takes—gotta find someone else to troll.”
Sunday’s game against the Chargers was seen as Travis Kelce’s breakout performance of the season. After a slow start, in which he managed just eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns over the Chiefs’ first three games, his seven-catch, 89-yard showing against the Chargers was a welcome boost. Kelce’s quiet start to the season had become a major topic among sports commentators, with some questioning if his focus had shifted due to off-field ventures, including his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift.
During CBS’s broadcast of Sunday’s game, Jim Nantz made a point to defend Kelce against the mounting criticism. As the game wound down, Nantz playfully addressed the issue while in conversation with color commentator Tony Romo. When Romo remarked, “Kelce is back,” Nantz chimed in, “All the hot takes, you gotta find someone else to troll this week.”
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On the podcast, Travis acknowledged the outside chatter but downplayed its significance, reiterating that most of the noise surrounding his performance doesn’t affect him. “I said it here on the podcast last week, everything outside of the building is just noise,” Kelce said. Despite his solid game against the Chargers, he dismissed the notion that it was a major breakthrough. “Big game? When is 89 yards a big game? It was a solid game. A big game is when I score a touchdown or something.”
For the 34-year-old tight end, his main priority remains contributing to the Chiefs’ success, regardless of individual statistics. “I was accountable this game, I didn’t have any drops—which was what happened in Atlanta, making me feel like I had a bad game,” Kelce explained. “I still didn’t have an outstanding game. There’s a lot that goes into having a great game, but I did have seven catches. A lot of times you get the rock and I got north with it, so it is what it is. I helped my team find a way to win, and that is all that will ever matter.”
With Kansas City now sitting at 4-0, Kelce’s focus is on maintaining the team’s winning momentum. However, the Chiefs may face additional challenges in the coming weeks due to injuries within their receiving corps. Wide receiver Rashee Rice went down with a knee injury during Sunday’s game, adding more pressure on Kelce and the remaining receivers to step up in future matchups.
The Chiefs are set to face the New Orleans Saints (2-2) at home on Monday Night Football on October 7, where Kelce and the team will look to continue their undefeated season.
As the Chiefs aim to keep their perfect record intact, Kelce’s steady leadership and ability to shrug off criticism will be key to their continued success.
