In a display of camaraderie and respect, Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers Rashee Rice, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman Jr. donned custom T-shirts featuring images of their teammate, tight end Travis Kelce, during pregame warm-ups before their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 29.
The black shirts, emblazoned with Kelce’s name on the front and “Dreamathon” — the brand behind the apparel — on the back, were worn by the trio to honor Kelce, who has been both a mentor and a leader for the Chiefs’ receiving corps. CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson noted that Rice, 24, had the shirts made specifically for the wide receivers to show their appreciation for Kelce, 34. This marks another instance of Chiefs players sporting custom gear in support of their teammates, following similar tributes to running back Isiah Pacheco earlier in the season after he sustained an injury.
Despite the light-hearted show of support, Kelce has faced criticism over his performance since the 2024-2025 NFL season began. Most notably, his 30-yard performance in the Chiefs’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons last week raised eyebrows. However, the tight end addressed the scrutiny during the latest episode of his podcast, New Heights, which he co-hosts with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
“Pat [Mahomes] said it. Coach [Andy] Reid said it. We’re finding ways to win games, and we’re not playing our best football,” Kelce remarked, emphasizing the team’s overall room for improvement. Referring to his own shortcomings, he added, “I think everyone saw my drop in Q4 on a crucial third down. Just trying to do too much before securing the ball.”
Kelce acknowledged that defenses have been locking in on him, limiting his chances for big plays. However, he refused to use this as an excuse, vowing to continue finding ways to contribute to the team’s success.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also addressed the situation following the team’s September 22 win over the Falcons, explaining that defenses are consistently double- or triple-teaming Kelce, making it challenging to get the ball into his hands.
“We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it’s like two or three [defenders] are going to him,” Mahomes said. He praised Kelce’s unselfishness, noting that despite his desire to make an impact, Kelce remains focused on the team’s success above all else. “He wants to win at the end of the day,” Mahomes stated.
Mahomes expressed optimism about the evolving dynamics of the offense, highlighting Rice’s emergence as a playmaker and the importance of the running game. “The more Rashee makes plays, the more we’re able to run the football, and the more we get [wide receiver] Xavier Worthy involved, I think that’s going to open Travis up more,” Mahomes explained. Defenses’ attention on Kelce, he noted, has created opportunities for other players to step up.
As the Chiefs prepare for a pivotal divisional clash against the Chargers, the wide receivers’ tribute underscores the respect and admiration they have for Kelce, even amid a challenging start to the season. With the support of his teammates and the evolving offensive strategy, Kelce remains poised to overcome the early season hurdles and continue his critical role in Kansas City’s pursuit of success.
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