Travis Kelce‘s postgame silence on Sunday raised eyebrows across the NFL. Known for being open with the media, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end surprised many by declining to answer questions following the team’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The decision fueled speculation about Kelce‘s performance, the playoff elimination, and even potential retirement.
But the real reason had little to do with those assumptions. Kelce revealed it was the result of concern for his teammate and close friend, Patrick Mahomes.
“That’s my brother, I know everything he’s going through and all that. I just (want to) keep it personal. I talked to him afterward. It was before the MRI. That’s why I kinda chose not to speak with the media right after that game,” Kelce said.
After the game, Kelce briefly addressed reporters: “Sorry guys, it’s not the time,” he told them, according to ESPN.
“I’ll catch you guys during the week.” For a player who normally engages freely with the press, the response was unusually brief.
Putting teammates first
Kelce explained that Mahomes’ injury shifted his priorities instantly. He knew the situation was serious even before medical imaging confirmed it, and he wanted to support his quarterback privately rather than provide commentary to the media.
“This is a unique moment,” Kelce said, emphasizing that he did not want to speculate about Mahomes‘ condition publicly.
Loyalty, he suggested, mattered more than headlines or soundbites.
The conversation also touched on the ongoing retirement chatter surrounding Kelce. This season has been challenging, with some uncharacteristic drops and key plays missed, fueling speculation about his future.
Kelce did not give a definitive answer but emphasized that his attention remains on the team and the remaining games.
“Ah, man. That’s crazy. I think I’d rather just keep the focus of the media and everything on this team right now and all the conversations I have with the team and everything moving forward will be with them. I think it’s a unique time in my life, and unfortunately, I got three games left, and I know when the season ends this year,” Kelce said.
For now, Kelce is leaving his career plans open-ended. His immediate focus is on the team and supporting Mahomes, showing that sometimes, silence says more than any interview ever could.
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