Travis Kelce’s rocky start to the 2024 NFL season has become a lightning rod for discussion, especially after another lackluster showing in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 22-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. With just 30 yards on four catches, Kelce’s performance added to a string of underwhelming outings, which has prompted analysts and fans alike to wonder: What’s going on with one of the league’s most reliable tight ends?
NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth pointed out the noticeable drop in chemistry between Kelce and his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Still, some, like former ESPN figure Todd McShay, believe Kelce’s off-field activities might be playing a larger role in his early-season slump. On “The Ryen Russillo Podcast,” McShay didn’t mince words, questioning whether Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift and his busy social calendar are affecting his play.
“Everywhere I look, no one seems willing to say it—he’s out of shape,” McShay said, referencing Kelce’s numerous appearances at events, such as the U.S. Open, and his heavy involvement in commercials and other public endeavors. “Look at a picture of Kelce from 2022 and compare it to 2024. They’re barely the same person. People keep talking about double coverage, but that’s not the whole story.”
To date, Kelce has posted just eight catches for 69 yards over three games—a far cry from his typical All-Pro form. This follows a 2023 season where he failed to reach 1,000 yards for the first time since 2015, further fueling concerns that the 34-year-old is beginning to slow down. Yet, Kelce himself remains relatively unfazed by these numbers, having publicly stated that he stopped worrying about stats long ago.
Still, McShay voiced what others seem hesitant to say: Kelce isn’t the same athlete. “I don’t see the same explosiveness. He’s wearing down during games,” McShay continued. While he was careful not to blame Kelce’s new celebrity spotlight entirely, he added, “You can’t be doing all those things and expect to be the same physically as you were in 2022.”
Yet, for all the criticism, Kelce remains a competitor of the highest caliber. There’s a sense among analysts like McShay that, given time, he will work himself back into form. “By Week 8, Week 10, we’ll probably see him getting back to his old self. But right now, he’s not there,” McShay noted.
Even as Kelce faces growing scrutiny, Mahomes is quick to defend his longtime teammate. The quarterback emphasized that teams still hold an immense amount of respect for the tight end, often dedicating multiple defenders to him, which limits his opportunities but speaks volumes about his continued influence on the game. “We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, but two or three people are going to him. He understands that at the end of the day, it’s about winning,” Mahomes said after Sunday’s win, keeping faith in Kelce’s importance to the team’s success.
Over the summer, Kecle played a celebrity traveling the world with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift. Maybe he should have hit the gym a little more instead of acting like a man-child.
