Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is keeping a calm demeanor despite a slow start to the NFL season. In the latest episode of his podcast, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, the 34-year-old reflected on his performance through the first two games, where he has yet to score a touchdown.
“I used to get really, really pissed off and almost lose my cool,” Kelce admitted to his brother Jason, 36. “I just like to play the game to such a high level of accountability that it’s just tough for me to deal with being mediocre or having stats that represent that.”
In the Chiefs’ initial matchups against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5 and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 15, Kelce has recorded four catches for 39 yards. While these statistics fall short of his typical performance, Kelce remains optimistic about his season’s trajectory.
“The reality is a lot of things have to go right for anyone to get the ball in a competitive NFL game,” Kelce explained. “It just hasn’t worked out that way in these first two games, and that’s part of football. I’m not going to get frustrated about it.”
Kelce noted that he stopped focusing on statistics about four or five years ago, which has helped him adopt a more relaxed approach and develop a healthier mindset towards competition.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, also untroubled by Kelce’s early season numbers, expressed confidence in his teammate. “We’ve faced teams like the Ravens and Bengals multiple times, so they have specific plans to counter Travis,” Mahomes said after their recent win. “But as the season progresses, he’ll get his catches and yards. What’s remarkable is his leadership—he’s keeping everyone motivated, and that’s what you need from your star players.”
In their most recent game, the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Bengals 16-10 in a dramatic contest that featured Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, in attendance. Despite Mahomes throwing two interceptions and Burrow fumbling, a decisive 51-yard field goal from Harrison Butker ensured Kansas City’s second win of the season.
The Chiefs, now 2-0, are set to face the Atlanta Falcons, who are 1-1, on Sunday, September 22.