Kaylah Walton
Taylor Swift enthusiasts quickly came to the aid of Travis Kelce after a sports analyst criticized the Kansas City Chiefs tight end for a subpar performance at the beginning of the 2024/25 NFL season, as he aims for a fourth Super Bowl title.
Patrick Mahomes steered the Chiefs to a 22-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons on September 22, but Kelce struggled with just four receptions.
Kelce’s performance only yielded 30 yards from those receptions, and he appeared disengaged while sitting on the sidelines.
Rodney Harrison attributed his difficulties to being sidetracked by “other commitments” during a segment on NBC Sports, inciting a fierce defense of Kelce from Swift’s dedicated followers.
“Consider everything he’s balancing. He’s involved in media alongside football and has numerous activities,” Harrison stated on NBC.
“In these circumstances, it’s crucial to focus entirely on football. That’s his primary obligation.
“Defenders are stepping up against him. Jesse Bates effectively contained Kelce. He remains a good player but perhaps not at the elite level he once was.”
Reactions from Swift’s supporters
While it might be plausible that Kelce, nearing 35, has begun to experience an inevitable decline in performance, he has also faced challenges being effectively involved in games.
Mahomes acknowledged these issues and suggested that the Chiefs should work on integrating Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy more to alleviate the pressure on Kelce, allowing him to succeed once again.
Fans, particularly those from the Swiftie community, dismissed the idea that his off-field distractions could impede him—a point often mentioned since his relationship with Swift, despite him recently winning Super Bowl LVIII.
One supporter remarked, “This is an unrealistic criticism. If you observe Trav, he is completely dedicated to football. Besides his podcast, we hardly see him.”
Another shared, “‘He lacks the same speed,’ yet he manages to create separation and block effectively. I’ve had enough of this.'”
A third defended, “Once again, they’re pinning this on his offseason activities, yet no one mentions that Mahomes often overlooks him when he’s open.”
