The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory this December - out of the playoff picture for the first time since 2014. A 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans marked their fourth straight defeat, and with it, a wave of uncertainty now surrounds one of the franchise’s most iconic figures: tight end Travis Kelce.
Kelce, a future Hall of Famer and one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history, has been visibly frustrated during this late-season slide. And while he’s not one to wear his emotions on his sleeve during press conferences - because, well, he hasn’t been attending many - his absence from the postgame podium has become a storyline in itself.
Sunday’s loss was no exception. After a quiet performance that saw him haul in just one catch for six yards, Kelce once again opted to skip his media availability. It’s a move that hasn’t gone unnoticed - not by the league, not by the media, and certainly not by Chiefs fans.
Some fans have voiced concern over Kelce’s decision to remain silent after losses, especially with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive lineman Chris Jones often left to face the tough questions alone. “I don’t love the way he’s handled postgame media this year,” one fan wrote online.
“Leaving Pat and Chris to take the heat... There’s literally nothing to say at this point.”
Others pointed out what they see as a double standard - questioning why some players get a pass on media obligations while others are expected to step up. The frustration is real, and it’s not just about Kelce. It’s about a team that’s fallen short of expectations and a fan base desperate for answers.
Still, not everyone is focused on Kelce’s media presence. A portion of the fanbase has shifted its attention toward the coaching staff, wondering why younger players aren’t getting more reps in a season that’s now essentially a lost cause.
“Will you actually ask the coaches why they aren’t playing young guys?” one fan asked, echoing a sentiment that’s been growing louder with each loss.
The game itself was rough from the start. Gardner Minshew, who had stepped in for the injured Mahomes, went down with a non-contact injury just three plays into the game. That left the offense in the hands of Chris Oladokun, a third-string quarterback thrust into a near-impossible situation.
The Titans took full advantage, dominating across the board. Tennessee ran 70 plays to Kansas City’s 43, racked up 22 first downs to the Chiefs’ nine, and outgained them 376 to 133 in total yardage. It wasn’t just a loss - it was a dismantling.
Kelce has said he’s committed to the team despite Mahomes’ season-ending ACL injury. But his actions - skipping media sessions and showing visible frustration on the sidelines - suggest a player who’s struggling with the weight of a season gone sideways. At 36, with a Hall of Fame résumé already in hand, it’s fair to wonder how much more of this he’s willing to endure.
For now, the Chiefs are left to pick up the pieces. The playoff streak is over.
The quarterback carousel continues. And one of their most vocal leaders has gone quiet - at least in front of the microphones.