Travis Kelce's Post-Game Behavior Raises Eyebrows After The Chiefs' Playoff Elimination

Travis Kelce declined to speak with reporters after the Chiefs' 16-13 loss to the Chargers ended their playoff hopes, marking his team's first postseason miss since 2014 and Patrick Mahomes' first ever.

The popular tight end's avoidance of the media, which has happened multiple times this season, could reportedly lead to his being disciplined by the league.

Before the Chiefs' elimination, Travis Kelce voiced frustration about his performance on his podcast, saying he was struggling to find "answers."

Kelce stayed silent with the media on Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs' season officially came to an end.

The team fell 16-13 to divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, in a must-win Week 15 clash, witnessed by Kelce's fiancée, Taylor Swift, and his family.

The Chiefs needed not only a win but also favorable outcomes elsewhere to keep playoff hopes alive, and neither happened.

Following the defeat, Kelce opted not to speak to reporters, telling them, according to The Athletic, "It's not the time. I'll catch you guys during the week."

This wasn't an isolated incident, as Kelce had previously declined interviews after losses to the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos earlier in the season.

This marks the first time the Chiefs have missed the playoffs since 2014, and it's also the first postseason miss in Patrick Mahomes' career.

A late-game knee injury to Mahomes played a pivotal role in the team's loss, as he went down clutching his leg and had to be helped off the field by medical staff.

Kelce's refusal to speak with the media could potentially draw scrutiny from the NFL, which has fined players in the past for repeatedly avoiding reporters. League rules are clear: players are expected to be available to the media after games and regularly during the practice week.

Rather than addressing reporters last week, Kelce took to his "New Heights" podcast, delivering an impassioned rant that, while uncensored in its original form, revealed his frustration and thoughts on the season.

He reflected: "It's been a tough go-around these last few days. It's just ... you put in all this work in hopes that it pays off. And right now, for whatever reason, it's little things... I don't know. It's discipline."

Kelce continued: "I feel like I have always had the answers in years past, and this year I just can't find them. I keep thinking if I show up for work and put in the work, fix the issues through my practice habits, and through perfecting the game plans, then things will come together like they always have. This year, it just has not, man."

Kelce's decision to avoid the media has also drawn sharp criticism from fans online, with some accusing the veteran tight end of immaturity.

One angry fan wrote on X: "No surprise. Travis Kelce is an antagonizer on the field. When it goes bad, he acts like an idiot & a lunatic. He's not a leader. Before 2018, he was uncoachable & when it doesn't go his way, he does things like this. Unacceptable behavior. The media has a job, just like you."

Others were even harsher in their assessments, with one commenter saying Kelce's behavior was unsurprising, arguing that previous incidents, including confrontations with coaches, had already revealed his character.

The fan went on to question his talent and professionalism while also taking aim at his relationship with Taylor Swift.

"What a great example of sportsmanship and taking accountability for your actions," another added sarcastically.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl over whether Travis Kelce has played his final NFL game. Last month, the 36-year-old veteran tight end stated that he would wait until the season concluded before deciding on his future.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said he wants to make a decision before the draft and free agency begin, so the Chiefs can plan their roster accordingly.

"All of that will be after the season. I won't think about it until then," Kelce added.

The footballer also referenced his brother Jason, who retired in March 2024 after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, giving his team ample time to prepare.

"Seeing my brother go through it and how the league operates, I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not, and vice versa," he explained.