Travis Kelce Opens Up About Struggles with Patrick Mahomes in 2024 Season

In a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce expressed his frustration with his on-field connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes this season. Despite the Chiefs’ impressive 11-1 record and their lead in the AFC West, Kelce revealed that he’s struggling to find his rhythm in the red zone.

A Frustrating Year for Kelce

Travis Kelce, who has been one of Mahomes’ most reliable targets in past seasons, has found it difficult to replicate the success they’ve had in previous years. While Kelce scored five touchdowns by Week 12 in 2023 and 12 in 2022, he has only found the end zone twice this season.

On the New Heights podcast, which Kelce co-hosts with his brother Jason, he shared his frustration, saying, “For whatever reason this year, I just can’t find my way in the end zone… It can get f—– frustrating. That’s for damn sure.” Kelce’s lack of touchdowns has been a source of personal disappointment, especially given his pride in performing well in the red zone.

The Chiefs’ Red Zone Troubles

Kelce emphasized the importance of the red zone in his game, noting, “Where I take a lot of pride is once we get in that red zone, man. I get a little hungrier.” Despite his hunger for success, the lack of chemistry with Mahomes in critical scoring situations has proven to be a challenge for the duo.

His brother, Jason, quickly jumped in to ease his frustrations, telling Travis, “I think you’re being a little hard on yourself.” Despite these struggles, the Chiefs’ overall success shows that Kelce’s lack of touchdowns hasn’t significantly impacted the team’s performance.

Defending Mahomes Amid Rumors of Tension

Despite the struggles between Kelce and Mahomes, Travis has been quick to dismiss any rumors of tension or a rift between the two stars. In an October episode of New Heights, Travis shut down any speculations about their relationship, defending Mahomes’ decisions on the field. He noted, “Get outta here, I’m not trying to hear this man,” emphasizing that Mahomes always plays with integrity and isn’t trying to exploit situations for extra yards.

Kelce’s Continued Support for Mahomes

While the connection may not be as strong this year, Kelce remains supportive of Mahomes, continuing to praise his quarterback’s play. He shared that Mahomes is not the type of player to “trick” defenders into thinking he’s going out of bounds to gain more yards, showcasing a level of respect and teamwork between the two stars.

As the season progresses, Kelce and Mahomes will undoubtedly work on improving their connection. With the Chiefs still sitting comfortably atop the AFC West, there’s plenty of time for them to regain their red-zone form and continue their dominant push toward the playoffs. Despite their current struggles, both Kelce and Mahomes remain focused on the bigger picture: winning games and staying on top of the league.

Key Takeaways:

• Travis Kelce has struggled to connect with Patrick Mahomes in the red zone this season.
• Despite two touchdowns so far in 2024, Kelce remains one of the top targets for Mahomes.
• Travis Kelce has expressed frustration, but his brother Jason reminds him not to be too hard on himself.
• Despite the struggles, Kelce continues to defend Mahomes and dismisses any rumors of tension between them.

As the Chiefs gear up for the remainder of the season, Kelce’s determination to get back to his end-zone dancing and Mahomes’ ability to adjust will be crucial to their playoff hopes.