Travis Kelces response to slow start as backlash grows: The biggest thing for me

Travis Kelce doesn’t sound as miserable as he looks.And on Wednesday’s installment of his “New Heights” podcast, the Chiefs’ tight end claimed he had no concerns about his sluggish start amid the constant stream of discussions about his off-field endeavors and dedication to football.“I’ve had a lot of catches in this league, man, I’m not worried about the catches and the yards, and all of that, I have the most fun when I get the ball thrown my way, I mean, who doesn’t?” Kelce said.“It has everything to do with execution and just making sure we’re doing everything we can to win these football games, that’s always going to be the goal.”Kelce, whose star soared to new heights over the last year as his high-profile romance with Taylor Swift intensified, has tallied eight receptions for 69 yards and zero touchdowns across three contests.

In the Chiefs’ prime-time win over the Falcons on Sunday, much of the attention centered on the nine-time Pro Bowler’s limited role (four receptions for 30 yards) and his downcast appearance on the bench.“I think everyone saw my drop in the fourth quarter and the crucial third down, just trying to do too much before putting the ball away,” Kelce said of the 22-17 win over the Falcons.“That’s probably the biggest thing for me is making the play in big-time moments like that.

I think with how defenses are playing us right now, I’m not really getting a lot of opportunities to make plays down the field, but not using that as an excuse.Moving forward, still trying to make sure I can help the team out in that regard knowing I’ve been that weapon for us in the past.

Moving forward, everyone’s just tweaking their game in the right direction.”The slump has since sparked an avalanche of criticism toward Kelce, 34, with sports media talking heads zoning in on his eventful offseason — ranging from international jet setting to on-screen roles — and where his focus lies.Kelce, though, is keeping h...