Home
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has long been considered one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. But during the 2024/25 season, his performance left fans, analysts, and even former coaches questioning what changed. With a noticeable dip in statistics, Kelce's game has come under scrutiny — and one veteran NFL mind believes the answer lies beyond the field.
Travis Kelce’s uncharacteristic decline
Kelce wrapped up the 2024/25 season with just 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns, a stark contrast to his usual elite output. For a player with multiple 1,000-yard seasons and postseason heroics under his belt, the numbers were jarring.
While many attributed the slump to natural aging or evolving offensive schemes, former Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini offered a more layered perspective during a recent appearance on the Breakfast Ball show. According to Mangini, Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship with global music sensation Taylor Swift, combined with a jam-packed off-season, may have contributed to the decline.
“It was filled with everything but football” — Mangini weighs in
Mangini didn’t hold back when analyzing the tight end’s 2024/25 preparation — or lack thereof.
“When you look at his offseason last year, it was filled with everything but football,” he said.
The ex-coach highlighted a string of non-football commitments that may have affected Kelce's readiness for the grueling NFL season.
“So, he's got the budding romance, he's on tour, he's traveling overseas… Then he's got the TV show… Then he's got the podcast,” Mangini noted. “He’s got so many things in a shortened season. You're hoping guys decompress, not get away from football with 50 other things.”
Though Mangini made it clear he doesn’t fault Travis Kelce for capitalizing on personal and professional opportunities, he believes the accumulation of distractions may have caught up with him.
“I'm not angry at him taking advantage of the opportunities, but I do think that put him a little bit behind the eight-ball going into the season.”
Spotlight, stardom, and the balancing act
Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift turned him into a full-blown pop culture figure. From appearing at international concerts to hosting shows and expanding his podcast empire, Kelce became more than just a football player — he became a celebrity brand.
That level of exposure brings new pressures, and according to Mangini, it may have impacted his ability to stay locked in during the off-season. For a position as physically and mentally demanding as tight end, even a slight deviation in preparation can cause ripple effects.
Can Kelce rebound in 2025/26?
With questions swirling and expectations still sky-high, Travis Kelce faces the challenge of proving he can juggle global stardom and NFL greatness. If he can bounce back next season, it will reaffirm his legacy as one of the league’s best. But for now, the conversation around his focus — and its impact on his game — isn’t going away anytime soon.
ADVERTISEMENT
