Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes explains why Travis Kelce hasn't lived up to superstar billing this season

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Travis Kelce has been more noticeable off the field than he has been on the field so far this season.

And while many fans are worried that the star tight end is reaching the end of the line, his quarterback has offered an explanation as to why Kelce hasn’t been very involved during the Kansas City Chiefs’ first three games.

Patrick Mahomes told reporters that the offence is running plays for Kelce, it’s just that opposing defences are doing everything in their power to stop the all-pro from getting the ball as often as he has in the past.

“It’s crazy because teams still — the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal. It’s well-deserved,” Mahomes said. “We’re calling a lot of plays for Travis and it’s like two or three people are going to him. He understands — that’s the great thing about him is he wants to make an impact on the game, but he wants to win at the end of the day.

“I’m gonna try to do my best to keep feeding him the ball whenever he’s there, whenever he’s open. I think the more Rashee (Rice) makes plays, the more we’re able to run the football, the more we can get (Xavier) Worthy involved, I think that’s going to open Travis up more. People are really emphasizing trying to take him away and that’s getting other guys open.”

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Kelce’s four catches on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons marked a season high. In 2024, he has eight catches for 69 yards and has yet to score a touchdown.

However, the Chiefs are doing quite alright. At 3-0, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions are one of five remaining undefeated teams.

Amid his slow statistical start to the season, Kelce has received much criticism for his off-field goings-on. The three-time Super Bowl champ, who has been dating global icon Taylor Swift for more than a year, has been taking on acting roles during his downtime while also continuing to host a podcast with his brother, retired NFLer Jason Kelce. Travis also has been photographed at numerous events with Swift as the season moves along.

During last week’s episode of the Kelces’ New Heights podcast, Travis said he “used to get really, really pissed off and almost lose my cool” when he did not have good games, but said he wasn’t going to get frustrated by his unproductive play.

However, Kelce was spotted by cameras on Sunday night looking miserable on the sidelines, with social media quick to post snaps of the downtrodden star.

Kelce will get a chance to turn things around for himself on Sunday when the Chiefs travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers.

In 18 career games against the Chiefs’ AFC West rival, Kelce has 100 catches for 1,223 yards and eight touchdowns – so maybe a breakout game is in order.