Travis Kelce is one of the most talked-about players in the NFL, whether because of his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, his podcast with brother Jason Kelce, or the discussions surrounding his performance week after week.
One of the narratives surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs tight end is that he’s “washed up” or slower than usual these days, which worries fans as the team will play the AFC Championship on Sunday, followed by a potential opportunity to make history.
During a press conference on Jan. 24, Kelce shared his honest thoughts on the situation.
Travis Kelce Makes His Thoughts Clear on Being Called ‘Washed Up’
When a reporter asked Kelce how he feels when a critic uses these words to describe his current performance, the Chiefs tight end responded bluntly and honestly.
As soon as the question ended, Kelce started smiling. He laughs at these situations and further shared that criticism is fun as long as they go out there as a team and win games.
“I laugh at it. It’s fun, man, as long as I’m going out there and we’re winning baby, that’s all that matters.”
Travis Kelce, when asked whether he pays attention to those who say he might be slowing down. pic.twitter.com/4DnPoRw7dk
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) January 24, 2025
While some analysts find faults in Kelce’s game play, NFL insider Peter Schrager couldn’t stop raving about the KC tight end’s performance during the playoffs.
Schrager called Kelce the most “prolific tight end in playoff history,” emphasizing the fact that “no human has had more career catches in the postseason.”
"Travis Kelce is the most prolific tight end in playoff history. No human has ever had more career catches in the postseason. Cole Bishop is a 22-year old Bills rookie safety."
One thing @pschrags knows? Cole "freaking" Bishop is going to have to make a play on Sunday 😤… pic.twitter.com/B53EkN4gxM
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 24, 2025
The NFL analyst shared that, according to him, Kelce becomes a different player in the playoffs, which is very different from his performance in September or October.
“You look at Travis Kelce in the playoffs. He becomes a different player than he does in September and October. If we take a look at Kelce over the course of NFL history, where he ranks in the postseason, he has the most catches ever, the second-most receiving yards ever.”
Schrager also mentioned that despite what the regular season looks like for Kelce, he always has the ability to show up in the playoffs.
The Chiefs tight end also broke San Fransisco 49ers star Jerry Rice’s record for most 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs.
Kansas City will now face the Buffalo Bills, led by Sean McDermott, in the AFC Championship Game. The last three times Kelce went against the Bills in the playoffs, he torched their defense for a total of 26 receptions for 289 yards and five touchdowns.
