The Kansas City Chiefs have raced to a 3-0 start this season, but it’s been a relatively quiet stretch for star tight end Travis Kelce. Through three games, Kelce has managed just eight catches for 69 yards, a significant drop in production for one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers.
Earlier this week, former ESPN analyst Todd McShay took a harsh stance on Kelce’s performance, suggesting that his lackluster numbers were a result of being out of shape and distracted by his high-profile relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. McShay criticized Kelce for allegedly prioritizing off-field activities over his football preparation.
“Every show I watch, every pregame show, halftime show, postgame show, weekday show, every broadcast for the last few weeks, it’s like we’re not allowed to say he’s out of shape,” McShay said. “He’s been partying all offseason, jet-setting with the most famous person in the world, drinking, going to the U.S. Open. Are we not going to acknowledge that?”
McShay’s comments ignited a debate about whether Kelce’s personal life has impacted his on-field performance, but not everyone is buying into that narrative. On Tuesday’s episode of The View, panelist Whoopi Goldberg firmly defended Kelce and Swift, slamming the notion that the pop star is somehow responsible for Kelce’s slow start.
“They apparently forgot that they won a Super Bowl last year with [Kelce], and [he and Swift] were just as tight then as they are now,” Goldberg said, dismissing the idea that Swift’s presence is a distraction. “Grow up, y’all. Stop putting this on her. Your team is fine, your team is doing well. Shut up.”
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Goldberg’s remarks reflect the frustration shared by many who believe it’s unfair to blame Swift for Kelce’s recent dip in production. Despite the noise surrounding his relationship, Kelce has already taken full responsibility for his performance this season.
“I put that on me,” Kelce said when asked about his recent struggles. “If you want to catch the football, it has to be the right play, it has to be the right coverage, and it has to be everybody doing their job up front and on the back end in terms of running their routes.”
Kelce’s self-accountability underscores his dedication to improving as the season progresses. While his numbers are down compared to his usual standards, the tight end has proven time and again that he can rise to the occasion, and there’s still plenty of time left for him to make an impact.
With 14 games remaining in the regular season, Kelce has ample opportunity to regain his form and put up the kind of performances that have made him one of the NFL’s elite players. He’ll look to do just that this Sunday when the Chiefs take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a key AFC West showdown.
Given Kelce’s track record and the spotlight surrounding the game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to his dominant ways this weekend. The Chiefs are already off to a strong start, and if Kelce finds his groove, they’ll be even more dangerous as the season unfolds.
