It’s been quite a while since Travis Kelce faced this kind of situation.
The experienced tight end is urging his teammates to set aside “selfish considerations” to help the team revive its season. Currently, the Chiefs hold a record of 5-5 and are on the outside looking in for the seventh-seed playoff spot in the AFC.
“It’s frustrating to be at this 5-5 point. The upcoming schedule is balanced heading into the second half, with seven games left, meaning we really need to improve in the standings,” Kelce shared during Wednesday’s New Heights podcast.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve found ourselves in this kind of situation. It’s especially frustrating when you consider the talent we have—both the players and the coaching staff. Everyone really needs to take a hard look at themselves,” he added.
In what is his 13th year with the Chiefs, Kelce has seen better days. The team has struggled to live up to their previous AFC dominance, having won two Super Bowls in the last three seasons and made the playoffs for ten consecutive years.
After beginning the season with two losses, the Chiefs managed to get to 2-2 following victories in Weeks 3 and 4.
In late October, they found themselves at 5-3, but two consecutive losses this month have dropped them back to 5-5, placing them third in the AFC West behind the Broncos (9-2) and Chargers (7-4).
Kelce, at 36 years old, stresses that it’s time to come together rather than play the blame game.
“You can’t just point fingers… When you’re frustrated, it’s essential to set that aside and focus on how to tackle each day. Put away any selfish thoughts and think about the team and your teammates. You’ve got to enjoy the process,” he emphasized.
Following a tough 22-19 loss to the Broncos, the chances of the Chiefs winning the division seem bleak. This weekend, they will host an 8-2 Colts team that will come off a bye week.
Kelce, who faced retirement buzz at the start of the season, has recorded 50 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns through ten games this year.
Kickoff for the Chiefs vs. Colts matchup is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.
