Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has revealed that he and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are not fully in sync, following the Chiefs’ narrow victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Kelce spoke candidly about their recent struggles to find rhythm on the field during Wednesday’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce.
“I’m just not on the same page as Pat,” Kelce admitted, expressing the frustration that comes with a lack of chemistry. “It can get frustrating. It can get f–king frustrating. That’s for damn sure.” Kelce, known for his ability to make key plays, spoke of his desire to be more effective, particularly in the red zone, where he typically thrives.
“Where I take a lot of pride is once we get in that red zone, man,” he said. “Once we get in that red zone, I get a little hungrier, and right now, for whatever reason this year, I just can’t find my way in the end zone.” Kelce’s candid reflection highlights a struggle that has been evident in his recent performances.
In Friday’s game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Kelce caught seven passes for 68 yards, but he was unable to secure a touchdown. The Chiefs ultimately emerged victorious with a 19-17 win over the Raiders, but Kelce’s absence in the end zone was notable. So far this season, Kelce has only managed to score two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ 12 games—a significant drop from last year’s performance.
“They had a good understanding of what we were trying to do and how to stop us and slow us down,” Kelce reflected on the Raiders’ defensive strategy during the podcast. “They eliminated a lot of the big-time plays that we had. On top of that, keeping us out of the end zone was the biggest thing for me.”
Jason Kelce, the Philadelphia Eagles center and Travis’ brother, was quick to offer some words of encouragement during the episode. “I know you hold yourself to a really high standard,” Jason said. “I think you’re being a little hard on yourself.” Travis acknowledged his high expectations for himself but remained focused on trying to get back to his usual level of production.
The Chiefs have enjoyed a successful season so far, winning 11 out of their 12 games in the 2024-25 NFL season. Their only loss came against the Buffalo Bills on November 17th, marking a small hiccup in an otherwise strong campaign.
Despite their solid record, Kelce’s struggles to find the end zone have been a recurring theme, leaving room for improvement in an already dominant team.
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Kelce’s frustration has been brewing since earlier in the season. Back in September, he addressed the Chiefs’ slow start during an episode of the “New Heights” podcast, admitting that while the team was winning, they were not playing their best football. “We’re finding ways to win games, but we’re not playing our best football,” Kelce confessed after a tight match against the Atlanta Falcons, which saw the Chiefs edge out a 22-17 victory.
Reflecting on that game, Kelce acknowledged his own shortcomings. “Everybody can clean it up. I think everyone saw my drop in the fourth quarter with that crucial third down,” he said. The self-criticism revealed Kelce’s awareness of his performance issues and his determination to overcome them.
One of the major challenges Kelce has faced this season has been opposing defenses focusing their efforts on him. He noted that defenses have been doing an excellent job of stopping him, making it difficult for him to find opportunities to score.
Despite the struggles, Kelce emphasized his desire to contribute to a successful offense. “I just wanna have a successful offense, and I think Pat’s doing a great job of finding the open guy and making the right decisions right now,” Kelce said, showing his support for Mahomes and the team’s efforts.
Outside of football, Kelce has also faced some public scrutiny. During the offseason, he spent significant time with his girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift, and some sports commentators criticized him for not dedicating enough time to practice.
The relationship drew considerable media attention, with some questioning whether Kelce’s focus on his personal life may have affected his performance on the field.
While Kelce’s struggles have been evident this season, his commitment to improving and his honesty about the challenges he and Mahomes face are a testament to his leadership.
The Chiefs remain a top team in the league, and if Kelce and Mahomes can find their rhythm again, they could become even more formidable as the season progresses.
