The Kansas City Chiefs are loose. Sitting at 3-0, it is easy to drown out the outside noise.
But if this interaction between quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce is any indication, the Chiefs are far from concerned.
On the eve of Cincinnati and Texas Tech’s first head-to-head matchup as conference opponents, the Big 12’s social media team released a graphic of the Chiefs stars in college.
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“I’ll bring the hair back if you do too! @tkelce,” Mahomes posted on X on September 27.
“I left that look back in Cincinnati for good reason,” Kelce replied following a series of laughing face emojis.
Fans in the comments joined in on the fun. One pointed to Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s bleached blonde look to open the season. Another pointed to late rock singer, Meatloaf. Kelce, of course, is no stranger to exploring new looks.
His look to enter this season – featuring a fade and a mustache – turned heads.
It became a national story as The New York Times published an article in January calling the haircut “The Travis Kelce” even though it has long been a staple of the black community.
Travis Kelce: ‘I’m My Own Worst Critic’
Kelce’s physical appearance has also been a football-related story this season. ESPN analyst Todd McShay called the All-Pro tight end out for not being in shape. McShay pointed to Kelce’s relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift and his many off-the-field obligations.
The analyst said Kelce looked like a different player than just two seasons ago. He did say the tight end would work his way into form.
But Kelce insists he is still the same player.
“We’re always constantly working to get better here, and that’s just – that’s always been my focus,” Kelce told reporters on September 27. “I think this year, stats may say something different. But at the same time, you still see the same person inside this building, and that’s all I really care I care about. I’m my own worst critic. Everything outside of this building is just noise.”
Kelce is on pace to finish the 2024 campaign with his fewest receptions, yards per reception, and total yards since his rookie season when he played one snap. That snap came on special teams.
The nine-time Pro Bowler knows that the criticism comes as a result of his consistent production.
“I’m fortunate I’ve had the success in the past,” Kelce said. “I realize that the ball can’t always go to one person. It can’t always get in my hands. But at the same time, I got all the rust in 1-5 [Mahomes] to make the right decision, and he’s been making great decisions. We might not be putting up as much points as we want to. But at the same time, we’re 3-0, and we’re doing something right.”
The Chiefs’ three opponents so far – the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals – are a combined 2-7 on the season. KC next faces the 2-1 New Orleans Saints before heading into the bye week with a real chance at being undefeated.
