Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has finally addressed the growing chatter surrounding Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s off-field lives. With both stars often in the spotlight for ventures beyond football—ranging from business pursuits to media appearances—questions have surfaced about whether the distractions could affect their performance. Reid, however, made it abundantly clear that he has no such concerns.
Andy Reid defends his superstars
Reid, a master at managing personalities in one of the NFL’s most high-profile locker rooms, dismissed the notion that Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s fame is causing any issues within the team. The veteran coach believes that today’s generation of athletes has grown up in the age of constant attention and social media, making them well-equipped to handle fame responsibly.
“I think these kids have been raised with this. It's a different generation than when you played or I played,” Andy Reid explained. “You kind of grow with them with it. And they handle it and they handle it easy. It's something to kind of watch and see how they go about their business. They still go out and work their tail off.”
For Reid, the key lies in maintaining focus and work ethic—a standard that both his captains uphold every single week.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce: Leaders on and off the field
While both Mahomes and Kelce have an array of off-field commitments, Reid believes their dedication to football remains unmatched.
“Travis, Patrick, they have a lot of opportunities to do things off the field, but they handle it, and I think the other guys see that football's first,” the Chiefs coach added.
Kelce, one of the NFL’s most marketable athletes, has successfully juggled his football duties with co-hosting “New Heights,” the hit podcast he runs with his brother, Jason Kelce. The show has become a cultural phenomenon—especially after Taylor Swift, Travis’s fiancée, appeared on an episode, sending social media into a frenzy.
Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes, the face of the Chiefs dynasty, continues to balance his role as a franchise quarterback with a growing list of endorsements and public appearances. From major ad campaigns to philanthropic efforts, Mahomes has crafted a brand that extends well beyond the gridiron.
A modern era of multi-dimensional athletes
Andy Reid’s comments highlight how much the NFL has evolved. Today’s players are more than just athletes—they’re global icons who represent business ventures, media empires, and cultural influence. Yet, for the Chiefs’ head coach, success off the field only matters if it complements success on it.
As long as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce continue performing at the elite level fans have come to expect, Reid sees no problem with their extracurricular ventures. His confidence in their discipline and leadership sets the tone for the entire organization.