Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had a tough 2024 NFL year, and a former NFL head coach thinks his time off the field, including his link with Taylor Swift, might have been the reason why his game is hurt.
On the Breakfast Ball show, ex-Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini talked about Kelce’s rough times, hinting that the star tight end’s mind might have been dragged away by a mix of extra duties outside from football.
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When you look at his offseason last year, it was filled with everything but football. He’s got the budding romance, he’s on tour, he’s traveling overseas, he’s filming a TV show, he’s got the podcast… It put him a little bit behind the eight-ball going into the season
A year of downhills for Kelce
The 2024 season was Kelce’s weakest in almost ten years. He ended up with just 823 yards and three touchdowns, way less than his usual top-level play.
His Super Bowl LIX show, where the Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, was quite raising the bad talks on if the 35-year-old tight-end is almost done.
Yet, Kelce plans to play in 2025, the last year of his deal. He has made it clear: winning a fourth Super Bowl is his main goal, even if that means pausing other plans, like a possible wedding with Swift.
Kelce responds: “I’d do anything for another Super Bowl”
On the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Kelce said he took on too much last year.
I think I failed last year in a lot of different ways for my guys on the field. I want to win another Super Bowl. I’d do anything for that
Kelce also shared that he has cut 25 pounds and reduced his media gigs, including his New Heights podcast and TV spots, to focus on training and recovery.
The Taylor Swift factor
Kelce and Swift’s bond has been a hot topic in sports and pop culture since they started dating in 2023. While Swift’s show-ups at Chiefs games boosted NFL views and media buzz, it also started talks on if the extra fame was a distraction.
Mangini’s words echo a wider opinion among some NFL fans who think Kelce’s fame off the field might have hit his game. However, Kelce has backed his relationship, saying he and Swift are “enjoying life and having fun,” and that he is handling the attention.
What’s next for Kelce and the Chiefs?
With the 2025 season coming, Kelce is set to show he is still a top tight end. He is entering what might be his last NFL year, and his focus is clear: football.
I just want to end this season without that sour taste in my mouth. Three trophies aren’t enough
No matter if his romance with Swift stays in the news, Kelce’s true mark will be by what he does on the field this fall.
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