Football analyst Todd McShay blamed Travis Kelce’s ineffective start to the NFL season on his newly documented lavish lifestyle since dating pop icon Taylor Swift.
McShay, primarily recognized for analyzing college football players as they make their way to the pros, recently appeared on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast.” The football personalities discussed Kelce’s less-than-desirable start to the season and what could be the catalyst for the change of his impact on the Kansas City Chiefs offense.
“Are we not allowed to say that he’s out of shape?” McShay asked on the show. “That he’s been partying all offseason? That he’s been jet-setting around with the most famous person probably in the entire world? That he’s drinking [and] going to the U.S. Open and he’s got cocktails?”
After Russillo hinted that there’s a fine line between enjoying the offseason and neglecting football responsibilities, McShay referenced the difference between Kelce’s preseason from 2022 and 2024. McShay noted differences in Kelce’s physique, suggesting he’s “barely the same person.”
McShay continued his rant by saying that Kelce’s challenges from opposing defensive coverages haven’t changed from his previous hot starts, leading to All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. The NFL analyst noted that the only difference now is the tight end’s athletic abilities.
“The respect he gets from defenses is still the same,” McShay stated. “But the athlete is not. Is he going to work himself into shape during the season? Absolutely. He’s an unbelievable competitor and one of the best to ever do it.”
Travis Kelce’s physique was criticized by NFL analysts
McShay estimated that Kelce’s physique could return by week 8, 9, or 10. Through three games this season, the Chiefs tight end has just eight catches for 69 yards and zero touchdowns. Last season, Kelce had 17 catches, 155 yards, and two touchdowns during his first three games.
Kelce had a relatively ineffective performance in the team’s season-opening 27-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens. He only caught three passes for 24 yards. Ten of those yards came from one pass by Patrick Mahomes, his last catch of the game in the third quarter. Kansas City’s last outing resulted in a hard-fought 22-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons on the road. But Kelce was quiet again with just 30 yards, as Mahomes connected with Rashee Rice 12 times for 110 yards and a touchdown.
From going public with Swift to winning Super Bowl LVII, Kelce has publicly enjoyed his success. He’s appeared in several countries to attend Swift’s Eras Tour, including shows in London, Paris, Singapore, Argentina, and more.
