Travis Kelce’s ‘slump critics’ are nonsense, says New Orleans star safety ahead of Chiefs-Saints MNF

Is he still the NFL’s elite tight end?

The NFL world has been abuzz with chatter about Travis Kelce’s supposed decline, but one person who’s not buying into the negativity is Tyrann Mathieu. In a recent chat with Rich Eisen, Mathieu didn’t just defend Kelce-he threw down the gauntlet to his critics. “To dismiss Travis as being anything other than a valuable weapon… it’s just nonsense to even think about it in that way,” he asserted.

Kelce’s 2024 season opener left much to be desired, with only 8 catches for 67 yards and no touchdowns in the first three games. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering if the star tight end had lost his touch. But Mathieu, who’s faced off against Kelce on the field, isn’t buying the doom and gloom. “He’s still a savvy player,” he insisted. “At any given moment, man, like he can make that big-time play on third down, he can make those great plays in the red zone.”

And Kelce certainly proved his worth against the Chargers, with seven catches for 89 yards and breaking Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record for receptions. With 922 and counting, Kelce’s performance silenced those who were ready to write him off. As Kelce humorously remarked on New Heights, “Since when is 89 yards a big game?” For him, it’s all in a day’s work.

Mathieu’s unwavering support for Kelce is a reminder that in football, as in life, it’s not about how you start-it’s how you finish. Despite the slow start to the season, Kelce’s resilience and talent shone through when it mattered most. As Mathieu put it, “He would be the last person I fall asleep on Monday night,” emphasizing the respect and admiration he holds for Kelce as a player.

Amidst the criticism and doubts surrounding Kelce’s performance, there’s a sense of defiance in Mathieu’s words. It’s as if he’s daring the critics to keep underestimating Kelce, knowing full well that the tight end has what it takes to prove them wrong. This unwavering belief in Kelce’s abilities serves as a powerful message to those quick to jump on the negativity bandwagon.

In the end, Travis Kelce’s critics may have their reasons for doubting him, but as Mathieu and his unwavering support show, there’s more to Kelce than meets the eye. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most speaks volumes about his character and talent. As Mathieu aptly puts it, “He’s still a savvy player,” and that’s something worth keeping in mind when assessing Kelce’s impact on the field.