Shaquille O'Neal Critiques Chiefs' Super Bowl Strategy In Podcast Appearance
Shaquille O’Neal voiced his concerns regarding the Kansas City Chiefs' strategy in the 2025 Super Bowl during a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce. The NBA icon questioned why the Chiefs did not utilize Travis more effectively in the championship game.
“I have a question,” O’Neal began, addressing Travis directly. “How come they didn’t use you a lot in the Super Bowl? I know you’re f***ing pissed. I don’t wanna get you in trouble.”
Travis, who had considered retirement earlier in the offseason, maintained a diplomatic stance, aware of the implications of criticizing his coach publicly. “Nah, man. You already know we were trying to use all the pieces, man,” he replied, deflecting O’Neal’s probing.
However, O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP, pressed on. “I need the pieces that helped us win the first f***ing Super Bowl; don’t be trying to do new s***,” he asserted. “I don’t wanna get you in trouble, but I wasn’t happy about that.”
Travis acknowledged the challenge posed by the opposing Eagles defense, stating, “The Eagles were doing a pretty good job of bracketing me and s*** like that.”
O’Neal, undeterred, declared, “I tell you what, you don’t have to talk, but I’m gonna talk for you. Coach, he’s f***ing 6-foot-8. Throw him the goddamn ball. Single coverage, double coverage, at the goal line. Alley-oop, that’s the play you call.”
At this point, Travis, who is officially listed at 6-foot-5, finally conceded to O’Neal’s enthusiasm. “Alley-oop. I’m telling you, I’m going to Coach Reid with that one right now,” he said with a grin. “Wait till you see this year, baby. I’m coming back with a little bit of Shaq, f***ing pissed off and ready to rock and roll.”
As the 2025 season approaches, Travis has much to prove. After a performance that fell short of his usual standards last year and with age becoming a factor in his career, he is determined to demonstrate that he can still compete at an elite level.
“I love playing; I still feel like I can play at a high level,” he stated during a March episode of “New Heights” following his announcement to return. “And possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don’t think it was my best outing. I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them, especially if you look at my track record and how I’ve been in years past. I just, you know, I wanna give it a good run.”
