Chiefs' Travis Kelce Opens Up About What Hurt His NFL Performance
Over the past two seasons, it appeared that Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce took a dive in production. He was a 1,000-yard receiver for seven seasons running, but only secured 984 in 2023 and 823 in 2025.
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There were many theories on why Kelce has his dip in production, with many claiming that it was the relationship that began to blossom with global superstar Taylor Swift. Others stated that it was due to his wanting to retire from football.
Despite all the rumors and reports, Kelce has never been one to not let his feelings be known. He speaks honestly on his "New Heights" podcast with brother Jason, and has also sat in on many other interviews and stated how he feels.
Kelce even joined the "Bussin With the Boys" podcast to reveal why he returned for the 2025 season, and that it may be his last with the Chiefs.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on from the sidelines during Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on from the sidelines during Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV.
Photo byMore news: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Drops Entire Tier in Latest Quarterback Rankings
Either way, Kelce knows himself, and he has now revealed what led to his dip in production with the Chiefs.
In a cover story for GQ, Kelce divulges all about his career, Swift, and more. He was brutally honest about what led to his dip in production with the Chiefs, revealing that it was his focus on acting that threw him off his game.
"I think it might have slipped a little bit because I did have a little bit more focus in trying to set myself up. And opportunities came up where I was excited to venture into a new world of acting and being an entertainer," he says. "I don't say this as 'I shouldn't have done it.' I'm just saying that my work ethic is such that I have so much pride in how I do things that I never want the product to tail off, and I feel like these past two years haven't been to my standard." He adds, "I just have such a motivation to show up this year for my guys."
Kelce has been in many acting ventures, such as a small role in "Happy Gilmore 2," recording his podcast, and appearing in "My Dead Friend Zoe."
Regardless of his ventures in entertainment, Kelce does realize that those ventures led to him having a different focus for football, and that he needs to be "locked in" moving forward.
Kelce is getting older, and with his admitting he nearly retired, he may only have one more shot at the Super Bowl. Should he win one more time with the Chief in 2025, he could ride off into the proverbial sunset, and take acting even more seriously.
For more on the Chiefs and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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