The NFL world has been buzzing with speculation about Travis Kelce’s potential decline, but Tyrann Mathieu isn’t buying it.
In a recent interview with Rich Eisen, Mathieu did more than just defend Kelce; he laid down the gauntlet to his critics.
“To dismiss Travis as being anything other than a valuable weapon… it’s just nonsense to even think about it in that way,” he said.
Kelce’s 2024 season debut left a lot to be desired, with only 8 catches for 67 yards and no touchdowns through three games. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering if the famous tight end had lost touch.
But Mathieu, who has faced Kelce on the field, isn’t buying the dire predictions. “He’s still a savvy player,” he insisted. “At any given moment, man, like he can make that big-time play on third down, he can make those great plays in the red zone.”
Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce.
Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce.LAPREE
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The NFL world has been abuzz with chatter about Travis Kelce’s supposed decline, but one person who’s not buying into the negativity is Tyrann Mathieu.
In a recent chat with Rich Eisen, Mathieu didn’t just defend Kelce-he threw down the gauntlet to his critics. “To dismiss Travis as being anything other than a valuable weapon… it’s just nonsense to even think about it in that way,” he asserted.
Kelce’s 2024 season opener left much to be desired, with only 8 catches for 67 yards and no touchdowns in the first three games. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering if the star tight end had lost his touch.
But Mathieu, who’s faced off against Kelce on the field, isn’t buying the doom and gloom. “He’s still a savvy player,” he insisted. “At any given moment, man, like he can make that big-time play on third down, he can make those great plays in the red zone.”
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce during a tense Chiefs moment
And Kelce certainly proved his worth against the Chargers, with seven catches for 89 yards and breaking Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record for receptions. With 922 and counting, Kelce’s performance silenced those who were ready to write him off.
As Kelce humorously remarked on New Heights, “Since when is 89 yards a big game?” For him, it’s all in a day’s work.
Mathieu’s unwavering support for Kelce is a reminder that in football, as in life, it’s not about how you start-it’s how you finish. Despite the slow start to the season, Kelce’s resilience and talent shone through when it mattered most.
As Mathieu put it, “He would be the last person I fall asleep on Monday night,” emphasizing the respect and admiration he holds for Kelce as a player.
Critics underestimate his significance. Despite the criticism and uncertainties surrounding Kelce’s performance, Mathieu’s statements convey a feeling of defiance.
It’s as if he’s defying doubters to continue underestimating Kelce, knowing full well that the tight end possesses the ability to prove them wrong. This unshakable conviction in Kelce’s ability sends a powerful message to those who jump on the negativity bandwagon.
In the end, Travis Kelce’s opponents may have valid reasons to distrust him, but as Mathieu and his unflinching support demonstrate, there’s more to Kelce than meets the eye.
His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it counts most reflects on his character and talent. As Mathieu accurately puts it, “He’s still a savvy player,” which is something to consider when evaluating Kelce’s effect on the field.
