Travis Kelce claims he hasn’t changed despite his slow start to the 2024 NFL season.
The star Chiefs tight end told reporters Friday he’s still working as hard as ever to get back to the type of production Kansas City fans have come to expect from him.
“I think this year, stats may say something different, but at the same time you’ll see the same person inside this building, and that’s all I really care about,” Kelce said. “I’m my own worst critic. Everything outside of this building is just noise.”
The Chiefs are 3-0 heading into Sunday’s matchup against the divisional rival Chargers despite Kelce catching just eight passes and no touchdowns.
Through three games, Kelce has been replaced by second-year wide receiver Rashee Rice as Patrick Mahomes’ top target in the passing game.
Rice has 24 receptions on 29 targets and two touchdowns through the air heading into Week 4.
Kelce said he’s content with where the Chiefs’ record is at.
“I’m fortunate. I’ve had success in the past and I realized that the ball can’t always go to one person,” Kelce said during the press conference. “It can’t always get in my hands, but at the same time, I got all the trust in [Mahomes] to make the right decision and he’s been making great decisions. We might not be putting up as [many] points as we want to but at the same time we’re 3-0 and we’re doing something right.”
Kelce’s production has taken a step back over the past year.
In 2023, Kelce, 34, had fewer than 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since 2015, his second full season in the NFL.
His five total touchdowns were his fewest since 2016.
Despite being undefeated, the Chiefs’ offense has underwhelmed in 2024, collecting just 5.4 yards per play, which is tied for 15th best in the league.