The Kansas City Chiefs entered Super Bowl 59 looking to become the first NFL team ever to win three straight Super Bowls. Instead, they were overwhelmed by the Philadelphia Eagles, who dominated in a 40-22 victory to successfully avenge their Super Bowl 57 loss.
For the Chiefs, it was a night to forget — especially for star tight end Travis Kelce. A future Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant postseason performers in NFL history, Kelce was shockingly ineffective, finishing with just four catches for 39 yards and no touchdowns. Meanwhile, his high-profile girlfriend, Taylor Swift, was in attendance but had a miserable time, getting relentlessly booed by Eagles fans throughout the game.
While Kelce has been one of Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted targets for years, his effort — or lack thereof — drew sharp criticism from a three-time Super Bowl champion who didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts.
Mark Schlereth Rips Travis Kelce’s Effort in Super Bowl 59
Former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, who won three Super Bowls with Washington (1991) and Denver (1997 and 1998), didn’t mince words when discussing Kelce’s performance on the “Stinkin Truth” podcast.
“He was absolute garbage in that game. There’s a clip of him just standing around while Patrick Mahomes is scrambling and getting hit. And Chiefs fans kill me. They defend him, saying, ‘Oh, he saw the flag, that’s why he stopped!’
“Really? He stood there for four seconds before the flag was even thrown. And let’s say it was a holding call — if Mahomes fumbled and the Eagles recovered, could they not decline the penalty?”
Schlereth, who built his career in the trenches, knows a thing or two about effort, having played 12 seasons in the NFL, winning championships alongside legends like John Elway. For him, Kelce’s apparent lack of urgency on such a big stage was inexcusable.
There are actually multiple clips that show Kelce giving minimal effort, which are hard to watch for long-time fans of Kelce and the Chiefs. Here is the one that Schlereth mentioned, where Mahomes scrambles and tries to make something happen while Kelce just watches.
pic.twitter.com/6ghxaIE2c3 https://t.co/kCkpnf1Er2
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) February 12, 2025
Kelce caught the majority of his targets during Super Bowl 59. Mahomes looked his way six times during the game, four of which were caught. But he did not have an impact on the game overall, finishing the game with just 39 receiving yards and no touchdown catches.
Kelce’s poor effort as a blocker also drew significant criticism from fans and media alike.
Stop blaming Joe Thuney. THIS was the effort Kelce was giving all night…Trent Williams wouldn't have made a difference at LT. 🤷♂️
Love Kelce but this shit right here is hard to watch. If you can't get fired up for a 3peat no better than this, it may be time. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/aVd3ZbNdMV
— All Chief'd Up! (@AllChiefdUp) February 11, 2025
There’s no doubt that the Eagles’ defense deserves plenty of credit for shutting down Kelce. Philadelphia’s secondary played tight coverage all game, and their pass rush kept Mahomes from getting comfortable in the pocket.
The environment may have also played a role. Swift, one of the most famous people on the planet, has been embraced by Chiefs Kingdom, but the Eagles-heavy presence in New Orleans made it clear they weren’t interested in giving her a warm welcome. The pop star was met with relentless boos throughout the night, and the raucous atmosphere may have contributed to a frustrating game for Kelce.
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With Kelce now heading into an offseason full of questions about whether he’ll retire, Schlereth’s comments serve as a harsh reminder that no player — no matter how great — is above criticism when they don’t show up on football’s biggest stage.
Has Kelce Played His Final NFL Game?
It’s no secret that Kelce is contemplating retirement, and he addressed the retirement rumors during the latest episode of “New Heights.”
“I’m gonna take some time to figure it out,” he said. “And I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back that it’s gonna be a wholehearted decision and I’m not half-assing it, and I’m fully here for them.
“I think I can play, it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility.”
NFL insider James Palmer recently joined Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” to discuss what he has heard from inside the Chiefs organization, and multiple members of the franchise revealed that they expect Kelce to retire.
“My gut tells me this is it,” the Chiefs staffers told Palmer.
"My gut tells me this is IT."@JamesPalmerTV heard from inside the #Chiefs organization about Travis Kelce's future 😳@heykayadams @Chiefs | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/dJigP5IXvs
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 12, 2025
The future Hall-of-Fame tight end’s production dropped off this season, but he remained a difference-maker. According to PFSN’s Offense+ metric, the Chiefs’ offense earned a 78.9 (C+) grade, which ranked 12th in the NFL.
Mahomes’ favorite target got off to a slower start this year but inevitably turned things around as the season went on. Kelce recorded three touchdowns and 823 yards on 97 receptions during the regular season. His 823 yards marked a career-low and the first time he has missed out on 900 receiving yards since 2015.
“People in the building believe he has lost a step, but they still believe he can completely play. But there’s so much on the other side as well. I think there’s just a lot on his shoulders [in terms] of what’s next,” Palmer said.
Kelce was the second-oldest tight end in the NFL this season at 35 years old, behind just Mercedes Lewis (40). His age may have stunted his production, but he was still effective.
The Chiefs have reportedly given Kelce until March 14 to figure out whether he wants to retire or continue playing, so all eyes will be on the superstar tight end to see what he decides.
If the legendary tight end ultimately decides to retire, who will replace him? If Kelce hangs up his cleats, the Chiefs will rely heavily on 25-year-old Noah Gray, or they will have to add a tight end this offseason via the draft, free agency, or a trade.
