Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, is facing growing criticism for his sluggish start to the 2023 NFL season, with fans and analysts pointing to his highly publicized relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift as a distraction. While Kelce and the Chiefs have won their first three games, questions around his performance, stamina, and focus have fueled a media frenzy, leading some to suggest Swift is to blame.
Slow Start Raises Concerns
The Chiefs’ 3-0 record may seem solid on paper, but for a team of their caliber and a player of Kelce’s stature, expectations are much higher. Kelce has had only eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns so far, marking one of the least productive stretches of his career. In comparison, he had already logged 17 receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns at this point last season. NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth expressed his surprise during a recent broadcast, saying, “This is the third game now where we have not seen the magic of Mahomes and Kelce.”
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Fans and commentators alike have noted that Kelce seems slower and less agile on the field. Former ESPN analyst Todd McShay voiced concerns about Kelce’s offseason behavior on The Ryen Russillo Podcast, implying that his relationship with Swift might be affecting his focus. “He’s been jet-setting around with the most famous person probably in the entire world,” McShay said, before acknowledging that Kelce remains “an unbelievable competitor.”
Is Swift to Blame?
As Kelce’s form continues to falter, a section of NFL fans has turned their frustration towards Swift. They argue that her relationship with the NFL star is distracting him from the game, with many voicing these sentiments on social media. Comments like “Taylor Swift has ruined Travis Kelce’s NFL career” and “He needs to retire and focus on his girl and podcast” flooded platforms after Kelce’s underwhelming performances.
In a viral moment, Kelce was seen looking visibly dejected on the sidelines during the Chiefs’ game against the Atlanta Falcons, which only fueled the speculation. Although Swift has been present at a few games, her absence from the Atlanta match triggered further debate about Kelce’s mental state and whether he’s feeling added pressure from his personal life.
Industry Commitments and Distractions
Kelce’s recent ventures outside of football haven’t helped quell concerns. Alongside his football commitments, he has been heavily involved in numerous advertising campaigns and entertainment projects. Reports indicate Kelce has landed lucrative deals, including a $100 million podcast deal with Amazon, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce. Furthermore, his role in upcoming TV shows and movies has led some to question whether his focus has shifted away from football.
NBC analyst Rodney Harrison echoed these sentiments, noting Kelce’s numerous commitments outside the game. “When you’re in that situation, you’ve got to forget about everything else and focus 100 percent on football,” he said during a recent broadcast.
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As Kelce’s statistics continue to lag behind previous seasons, questions about his potential retirement have resurfaced. His brother, Jason Kelce, retired earlier this year, and some speculate Travis might be considering the same path, especially as he takes on more off-field responsibilities. However, Kelce himself has expressed that football gives him “a purpose” and remains committed to the sport.