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Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce found himself on the receiving end of some playful ribbing from a former teammate after sharing expert advice on tight end play. Kelce is intensely focused on redeeming himself following the Chiefs' crushing 40-22 Super Bowl LIX defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, a game where his own performance fell short of his usual standards with only four catches for 39 yards.
The 2024 season overall was a relative dip for the future Hall of Famer; while he snagged 97 receptions, his total yardage (823) marked a career low, highlighting a campaign he's eager to move beyond.
As the 35-year-old gears up for a strong comeback in 2025, he recently took time to impart wisdom at the Tight End University summit. However, his earnest technical breakdown didn't escape the notice of a familiar voice from his past, who couldn't resist a lighthearted jab at his expense.
Schwartz's social media jab aimed at Travis Kelce
The good-natured call-out came via social media from none other than Mitchell Schwartz, Kelce's former teammate and a stalwart offensive lineman during their shared years anchoring the Chiefs' offense. Schwartz reacted playfully to a video clip the Chiefs shared online featuring Kelce's detailed explanation at the summit.
In the clip, Travis Kelce offered a serious, technical perspective on the nuances of playing tight end at an elite level. He emphasized the critical importance of intelligence when running routes and sharpness in tracking the football, especially during plays that break from the original design and require improvisation. Kelce specifically addressed the physical challenges larger players face in executing precise route running:
"Us big guys, it's so hard for us to just throw one foot in the ground going 75% speed in a route to get out of there, right?"
He elaborated further, breaking down the mechanics of maintaining balance and power over distance: "You got to be able to take two, three steps over 15, 20 yards to be able to stay balanced, stay powerful, get your feet right, get your shoulders right to explode out of a route."
His explanation was clear and methodical, providing a rare glimpse into the technical foundation that underpins his on-field success.
Seeing this earnest technical tutorial, Mitchell Schwartz seized the moment for some affectionate teasing. Commenting directly on the Chiefs' social media post, Schwartz wrote:
"Nah this is just for the cameras. We all know the real answer is just run around until you find open space and then the ball will be coming at you."
Schwartz's comment was unmistakably a joke between old friends who share a deep history. It playfully contrasted Travis Kelce's intricate technical breakdown with a simpler, almost comical, interpretation of how the star tight end often appears to operate – using his athleticism and chemistry with Patrick Mahomes to find openings seemingly through instinct rather than complex choreography.
The exchange served as a warm reminder of the strong chemistry Schwartz and Kelce developed over their five seasons together in Kansas City (2016-2020). During that period, they were integral parts of the offensive core that propelled the Chiefs to consistent dominance, including their Super Bowl LIV victory.
Schwartz, protecting Mahomes' blind side, and Kelce, serving as his primary security blanket, forged a bond both on and off the field. This social media banter underscores the camaraderie that remains even after Mitchell Schwartz's retirement.
While Travis Kelce was offering genuine, valuable insights to aspiring tight ends, Schwartz's humorous take provided a lighter counterpoint, highlighting the unique connection and playful dynamic that exists between former teammates who battled side-by-side during some of the franchise's most successful years. It's a moment that blends football intellect with locker-room levity.
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