Travis Kelce Makes His Feelings Clear About Chiefs’ Struggles: ‘We’ve Got to Run the Table’
The Kansas City Chiefs are 5–5 through Week 11 — a place the reigning AFC powerhouse hasn’t been in years — but tight end Travis Kelce insists the 2025 squad is stronger than the one that went 15–2 last season.
During the November 19 episode of the “New Heights” podcast, the All-Pro tight end spoke candidly about the team’s struggles, the urgency of the weeks ahead, and why he still believes this Chiefs roster has what it takes to rally.
“It’s frustrating because it’s gotten to the point where we’re 5–5,” Kelce told his brother, Jason Kelce, around the 7:20 mark. “We’re .500 going into the back end of the schedule here. Got seven games left, and we’ve basically got to run the table. And I haven’t been in this situation in a long, long time.”
“A bunch of flags all over the place, whether it was, procedural penalties, which is the … most frustrating thing ever, or holding penalties, which some I’m here for,” Kelce said.
“Others, I’m just like, ‘What are we even doing?’ And obviously putting up touchdowns instead of field goals, man. “It’s frustrating because it’s got to the point where we’re 5-5, we’re 500 going into the back end of the schedule here. Got seven games left, and we’ve basically got to run the table. And I haven’t been in this situation in a long, long time, man.”
“And it’s even more frustrating knowing the kind of guys that we have, knowing the kind of talent that we have, knowing the type of coaches that we have, and everybody’s got to just kind of look themselves in the mirror,” he said. “You can’t sit around pointing fingers about whether it’s somebody missing a block here, somebody missing a catch here, play calls, whatever you go into mentally when you’re frustrated, you’ve got to kick that aside, and you’ve got to think about how you’re going to … attack the day.
Travis Kelce Says He’d Choose the 2025 Chiefs Over Last Year’s 15–2 Team
Jason Kelce then asked his brother the question fans have debated for weeks: in a head-to-head matchup, would the 2024 Chiefs beat the 2025 Chiefs?
“I’m taking this year’s,” Travis said without hesitation.
Kansas City began the season 0–2, rallied to 5–3, and now sits at 5–5 after consecutive losses. They trail the Denver Broncos (9–2) and Los Angeles Chargers (7–4) in the AFC West standings, officially placing the Chiefs outside the playoff picture heading into Week 12.
Kelce, however, delivered one of his strongest outings of the year in Sunday’s loss to Denver, recording nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown — a score that secured him the franchise record for career receiving touchdowns, surpassing Priest Holmes. Still, Kelce declined to celebrate afterward.
“If you were going to ask me about the [franchise] record, I could care less about that right now,” he told reporters via ESPN.
Patrick Mahomes Praises Kelce, While Taylor Swift Misses the Milestone Night
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, though, made it clear his teammate deserved recognition. “He deserves it, the work he puts in every day,” Mahomes said via KMBC. “He’s a leader, man… that was a great play in a big moment in the game.”
Notably absent from Kelce’s record-breaking evening was fiancée Taylor Swift, who has attended fewer games this season. Her last appearance came on Oct. 27 against the Washington Commanders, when Kelce scored his 100th career touchdown and celebrated by referencing Swift’s “Fate of Ophelia” dance.
The couple did enjoy downtime during Kansas City’s bye week, which they spent together in New York City. “Just hung out, put the feet up, saw some cool places, ate some great food,” Kelce shared on the
Now at 5–5, Kansas City returns home for a Week 12 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
After 27–14 Win, Drake Maye Stuns Everyone by Comforting a Devastated Justin Fields on the Sideline
Charlotte, North Carolina — In a commanding Week 11 victory that ended 27–14 in favor of the Carolina Panthers
Justin Fields, Chicago’s embattled quarterback and emotional core of the team, sat alone on the bench with his helmet resting beside him. Despite flashes of brilliance throughout the game, Fields was pressured relentlessly, missing key throws and absorbing multiple hits that stalled Chicago’s comeback attempts. As the clock hit zero, the weight of another tough loss sat heavy across his shoulders.
Teammates drifted toward the tunnel. Fields stayed seated — elbows on his knees, eyes locked on the grass, frustration filling the air around him.
Then Drake Maye walked over.
Fresh off leading the Panthers to an impressive
When Drake reached the Bears’ sideline, he placed a steady hand on Fields’ shoulder.
Justin looked up, eyes tired, disappointment clear on his face.
Maye leaned in, pulled him into a brief, sincere embrace, and spoke softly — just loud enough for Fields to hear.
According to a Bears assistant nearby, Drake told him:
“You’re a fighter, man. Don’t let this game define you. You’ve got too much talent — keep pushing.”
Fields nodded, giving Maye a quiet, appreciative pat on the arm — the kind of moment that only two quarterbacks under immense pressure can fully understand.
Later, in the Bears’ locker room, Justin Fields reflected on the gesture:
“Drake didn’t have to do that. He’s the guy who just beat us. But he still came over. I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
As always, Maye stayed humble about the moment:
“Justin’s a competitor. I’ve watched him battle through a lot. I just wanted him to know one game doesn’t erase who he is.”
Carolina’s 27–14 Week 11 victory energized their season — but it wasn’t the scoreboard that took over social media.
It was Drake Maye crossing the field to comfort a devastated Justin Fields, a moment of rare sportsmanship in a league defined by intensity, pressure, and high stakes.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful play happens long after the game ends.
