Travis Kelce Silent After Chiefs' Disheartening Loss to Texans
After the Kansas City Chiefs fell 20-10 to the Houston Texans, Travis Kelce was noticeably absent from the post-game conversation, opting to decline interview requests on two separate occasions.
The 36-year-old tight end's silence followed a game that significantly dimmed the Chiefs' playoff hopes, now sitting at a mere 15 percent according to NFL.com’s predictor model. Kelce's fiancée, Taylor Swift, was present in the stands alongside friends Selena Gomez and Lena Dunham, but the atmosphere was far from celebratory.
Kelce's performance was lackluster; he recorded only one catch for eight yards, marking just the sixth time in his career he finished a game with fewer than two receptions. The night took a turn for the worse when a bobbled pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes led to an interception by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, resulting in a field goal that sealed the game.
On the sidelines, Kelce appeared stunned, grappling with the reality that the Chiefs' season might be slipping away. Observers noted his despondent demeanor, with one viewer exclaiming, “It’s time for Travis Kelce to wrap it up man, what the hell?!?”
Another fan expressed disbelief at Kelce's performance, stating, “What in the world happened to Travis Kelce? Anyone want to take a guess? Cuz baby I’ve never seen [the] dude play this poorly, ever.”
Prior to kickoff, Kelce shared a heartwarming moment with his mother, Donna Kelce, as they entered the stadium together. However, that brief joy was overshadowed by the game’s outcome.
Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth remarked on Kelce's troubled expression during the broadcast. “The faces of champions are really struggling to comprehend what is happening to this football season,” Collinsworth noted. He attributed the team’s struggles not solely to injuries on the offensive line but rather a broader breakdown among key players who have historically contributed to the franchise's success.
Mahomes, who has never experienced a playoff absence in his career, acknowledged the team's precarious situation. “We know the chances are getting lower and lower,” he stated post-game. “But I know the guys on this team are going to give everything they have, every opportunity we get.”
He continued, “We’re not winning games, but that mindset the guys have in this locker room... you can never question the fight of this team.” Mahomes emphasized that while execution has faltered at critical moments, he remains confident in his teammates’ resolve.
With only four games remaining in the season, the Chiefs must win all their upcoming matches and rely on favorable outcomes from other teams to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Kansas City will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers next on December 14, followed by games against the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders.
