Travis Kelce sparks major backlash despite milestone achievement as pundits blast antics of NFL star
Travis Kelce has once again declined to address the media following yet another defeat for the Kansas City Chiefs.
He maintained his pattern of media silence throughout the franchise’s troubled 2025 campaign.
The Chiefs suffered a comprehensive 26-9 defeat against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, a result that left the franchise with a 6-9 record and confirmed their elimination from postseason contention.
The 36-year-old tight end, a three-time Super Bowl champion, endured a particularly difficult outing against Tennessee, managing just a single reception for six yards.
He was without his main man, Patrick Mahomes, who is out for the season with an ACL injury, instead receiving passing from backup quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Rather than engaging with traditional media, Kelce has opted to share his thoughts exclusively through his “New Heights” podcast this season.
ESPN commentator Chris Russo launched a pointed attack on the tight end during First Take.
He characterised his refusal to speak with reporters as disrespectful to the beat journalists who dedicate themselves to covering the franchise.
Travis Kelce has once again declined to address the media following a Kansas City Chiefs loss
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Russo emphasised that following such a historically significant defeat, Kelce owed the press and supporters at least a brief statement.
Kansas City radio presenter Pete Mundo echoed these sentiments on social media, describing Kelce’s conduct as “completely childish and lacking leadership.”
Mundo highlighted what he viewed as a troubling pattern: the tight end willingly addresses the media following victories but consistently avoids scrutiny after defeats.
Nevertheless, some observers have offered a more sympathetic interpretation of Kelce’s behaviour.
Kelce has opted to share his thoughts exclusively through his ‘New Heights’ podcast this season
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Supporters point to the exceptionally demanding nature of this campaign, both physically and emotionally, as a potential context for his withdrawal from media obligations.
The devastating ACL injury sustained by Mahomes, Kelce’s close friend and longtime teammate, has added considerable strain to an already difficult period.
With mounting speculation about whether the 36-year-old might be approaching retirement, certain analysts suggest his reluctance to face reporters reflects a personal method of processing collective disappointment rather than any lack of care for the team or its followers.
Following a loss to the Chargers game during Week 15, Kelce told assembled reporters, “It’s not the time. I’ll catch you guys during the week.”
Travis Kelce maintained his pattern of media silence throughout the franchise’s troubled 2025 campaign
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GETTY
Despite the disappointing campaign, Kelce was selected for his 11th Pro Bowl, a match which sees top stars of the NFL compete the week before the Super Bowl.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was voted as the AFC starter, while Kelce will start on the bench.
The selection proves a milestone for the 36-year-old as he ties Jason Witten for the second-most Pro Bowl selections at the position.
Only former Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has more with 14.
