Travis Kelce is coming to terms with what went wrong in Super Bowl LIX, and he’s not shying away from admitting he wasn’t at his best.
The Kansas City Chiefs missed out on making history last month in New Orleans, falling short of an elusive three-peat as the Philadelphia Eagles steamrolled their way to a 40-22 victory. It was a disappointing night for Kelce, who had an underwhelming performance with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, watching from the stands.
Now, a month after the crushing defeat, Kelce is reflecting on his lack of focus, particularly in light of the controversial late-night dinner he and Patrick Mahomes had with their partners just 48 hours before kickoff.
Kelce Admits He Wasn’t Locked In
During the latest episode of his New Heights podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis acknowledged he simply wasn’t locked in for the biggest game of the year.
“I feel like I owe the guys that I come into that building with a whole lot more effort and focus,” Kelce admitted.
“I just don’t know what it was during that game, man, I wasn’t at my best. The more that I see clips or watch the film and put myself back into those moments, man, I’m just like, ‘What the f**k.’”
Jason quickly reassured him, advising his younger brother not to dwell too much on one bad game.
“Don’t overanalyze it, Trav. You’re the king of not overanalyzing, so don’t overanalyze it.”
But for Kelce, self-reflection is key to his motivation and success.
“That’s how I find motivation. That’s how I create the beast, that’s how I flick the switch,” he explained.
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Looking Ahead: Kelce Ready for Another Season
Despite the Super Bowl disappointment, Kelce recently confirmed his return for at least one more season with the Chiefs. While he briefly considered retirement, he ultimately decided to run it back in 2025.
When Jason asked if the Super Bowl loss would fuel him next season, Kelce had a measured response.
“Yes and no,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I’ve been in a situation where I didn’t play my best in the final game and the biggest game of my life. You try and make it everything, and you don’t find the love of the game doing that. I feel like I play my best when I’m out there playing for the right reasons.”
Kelce emphasized that while using losses as motivation can be helpful, harboring frustration or resentment isn’t the right approach.
“All of that can help get you where you are, but you can’t go into it like this mad human being that has this built-up animosity about the world and how it didn’t go this way. Because after Tampa [Super Bowl LV loss in 2021], it didn’t go my way. I didn’t even make it back to the Super Bowl that next year.”
Instead, Kelce says he thrives when he’s having fun—not when he’s angry or forcing himself to be the villain.
“At the end of the day, I play my best when I go out there and have fun, man. I don’t play my best when I go out there and I’m p**d off at the world and I’m trying to be the bully. Cause I’m playing against guys that act like the bullies.”
Staying in Kansas City—For Now
Kelce remains under contract with the Chiefs through 2025, having signed a two-year, $34.25 million extension in April 2024. With one year left on that deal, the three-time Super Bowl champion is eager to run it back with Mahomes and coach Andy Reid.
“It was a gut feeling. I f**ing love this game, man, and I love going into the building with the guys who are there,”* Kelce said.
He also spoke about his strong bond with Reid, explaining how much the legendary coach means to him personally.
“Coach Reid has been one of the biggest influences on my life—not just in football. I don’t want to stop going to work with him, learning from him, or being the reason he doesn’t have success. I want that guy to have the most success in the world because of who he’s been in my life.”
As for his connection with Mahomes, Kelce emphasized that his quarterback is another major reason he’s sticking around.
“That’s the same with Pat. There are so many people in that building who I love with all my heart, and I want to keep living out those dreams.”
What’s Next for Kelce?
Despite his frustration over the Super Bowl loss, Kelce is already looking ahead to another season in Kansas City, where the Chiefs will once again try to defend their dynasty.
But one thing is clear: Whether he’s breaking records on the field or making headlines off it, Kelce isn’t stepping away from the spotlight anytime soon—especially with Taylor Swift by his side
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