Travis Kelce is opening up following Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending knee injury. His comments reflected how hard the moment has been for the Kansas City Chiefs while also reinforcing the team’s confidence in its quarterback.
Travis Kelce Reacts to Patrick Mahomes’ ACL Injury
Mahomes suffered the injury in the final two minutes of the Chiefs’ Dec. 14 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. After taking a hard hit, the 30-year-old quarterback remained on the field clutching his left knee. Subsequent testing revealed a torn ACL and LCL, and the team confirmed the next day that Mahomes had undergone surgery. According to multiple reports, the procedure also included a repair to his LCL.
Kelce addressed the situation on the Dec. 17 episode of the “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
“Obviously, we lost our quarterback, man. Patty Mahomes, our guy, our brother, our fearless leader, our face of the franchise, and, to an ACL,” Kelce said. “It’s never easy seeing your guys go down. We had a bunch of guys get hurt this past game, and we fought, man. We fought.”
The 36-year-old tight end described the moment as surreal, especially given Mahomes’ reputation for durability and toughness.
“And on a freakish play to see one five go down like that, man, it (expletive), it was almost like it wasn’t real. And (expletive) just sucks, man,” Kelce added.
Kelce Praises Mahomes as a ‘Fearless Warrior’
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Despite the heartbreak, Kelce made it clear that the team remains confident in Mahomes’ ability to overcome the setback. He emphasized that the quarterback’s work ethic and mental toughness set him apart.
“For a guy that puts in that much and puts his body on the line week in, week out, and, you know, makes this football world he makes the best of it, man, by how hard he works,” Kelce said. “And it just, it sucks, man.”
Kelce shared that Mahomes’ surgery “went well” and described his quarterback as someone built to handle adversity.
“He’s a warrior, man. I’m telling you. This guy’s played through everything, battled through everything, has been crowned champion because he’s battled through everything, and he’s gonna battle through this,” Kelce said. “It’s the only way this guy is wired, man. He’s a fearless, fearless warrior when it comes to this football thing, and he’s gonna make sure that he comes back stronger than ever.”
Kelce also noted that while the team wants Mahomes back “as soon as possible,” he knows the quarterback will approach his recovery with the same intensity he brings to the field.
“He’s gonna be doing everything he can to get back out on that field for the Chiefs,” Kelce said.
Travis Kelce Addresses Retirement Talk as Jason Kelce Weighs In
While Kelce was open about Mahomes’ injury, he avoided diving into the growing speculation surrounding his own future. The tight end has previously acknowledged that retirement conversations are unavoidable, particularly as he nears the end of his career.
In November, Kelce told reporters he wants to be upfront with the Chiefs if he decides to step away, allowing the organization to plan accordingly.
“Like, whether they want me back or not, it’s one of those things where I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens up,” Kelce said.
Jason offered his own perspective during “Monday Night Countdown,” speaking with Scott Van Pelt about his brother’s situation.
“In my opinion, to nail that decision, you gotta step away from the game for a little bit,” Jason said. “Play these last three games. Enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coaches. The team’s going to be different no matter whether you come back or not this year. So, enjoy these last three games. And then let it sink in.”
Jason also acknowledged the emotional toll of a turbulent season.
“There’s so many emotions with this game, right after a season,” he said.
“Especially with the way this has been. It’s been so up and down. I mean, they’re 1-7 in one-score games. You gotta step away from it. You gotta think about it. And then, yeah, it will come to you.”
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