Why Travis Kelce didn’t talk to the media after Chiefs were eliminated from the playoffs

Travis Kelce He broke his silence and decided not to speak to the media after the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from the 2025-2026 playoffs — and not because they lost.

Kelce, 36, talks about the drama surrounding him Close interview Sunday, Dec. 14, and Friday, Dec. 19, told reporters it was because of the Chiefs quarterback patrick mahomes‘ Injuried.

“Yeah, I talked to him later. That was before the MRI,” Kelce explained during the exam. Friday press conferenceConfirmed that he spoke briefly with Mahomes, 30, after he tore his ACL during Sunday’s game.

this Tight end added“That’s why I chose not to speak to the media after the game.”

Kelce added that he has been in contact with Mahomes, who will miss the remainder of the season, since the injury.

“That’s my brother and I know what he’s going through. I just (want to) keep it a secret,” he shared.

The Chiefs’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday made headlines for a number of reasons — some of which had to do with Kelce.

First of all, the team’s record in 2025-2026 is 6 and 8 respectively. This is a failed recordThat’s a rarity for a Kansas City franchise.

With the loss, the Chiefs will play the remaining three games of the regular season but will not make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

During the game, Mahomes encountered season-ending injury It was later confirmed to be an ACL tear. He has since undergone surgery to repair the damage.

Kelce was contacted for comment after the game, but he declined to comment – unlike the legendary athlete.

“I’m sorry, guys, it’s not the time,” Kelce told reporters in the locker room on Sunday, according to ESPN. “I’m going to get to you guys this week.”

Kelce’s avoidance of the media has made some people uncomfortable, including ESPN Personality Chris Russo.

“How was Kelce on Sunday afternoon?” Russo, 66, said on ESPN on Wednesday, Dec. 17 first shoot. “They just lost a game. Mahomes tore his ACL. The last play of the game (the backup quarterback Gardner) Minshew Goes to Kells for a shot. was intercepted. “Not today, guys,” Kelce said as he settled into the locker room. “I’m not going to talk to you.” “

Russo took issue with Kelce, leaving “the poor guy who’s been covering the Chiefs for years” hanging.

“They cover the football team every day for seven months and at the end of the game, when Mahomes goes out, you blow them away? Maybe the last game you play (with him)? Can’t you give them three words?” he quipped. “You can’t tell them, ‘This is a bad day for us, I don’t know what I’m going to do with my career? Hope Pat is OK.'”

Russo believes Mahomes’ dismissal is “an important moment in the history of Kansas City and the NFL” because it means the team’s next season also hangs in the balance. (Based on his recovery, Mahomes The 2026-2027 season may not start.)

“You surprised everyone, walked out of the stadium, didn’t talk to the media and just got in the car?” Rosseau added. “That’s wrong. That’s not the way things are done. You give them five minutes. Give them a few words for Chiefs fans. Really disrespectful to him.”

Meanwhile, Travis later spoke about his rivalry with his brother Jason Kelceof “New Heights” Podcast.

“We’ve got three games left… As a pro, as a player, you’ve got to love it all, man. And Chiefs Kingdom, we’re going to give you everything we’ve got. There’s no question about it,” he told the audience on Wednesday, December 17. “There’s only one way I do things, there’s only one way Coach Reed does things, and if we’re going to go out there and play football, we’re going to do it the right way and keep working hard. Address those issues and finish on the highest note we can.” “

Chiefs’ losing season comes as Travis’ media snub takes center stage There is a lot of talk about his future Back in the spotlight in the NFL.

Travis has yet to announce whether he will retire after this season, but he hinted He won’t make a decision Until the end of the team’s last three games.

“I think I’d rather just focus on the media and everything going on with this team right now,” Travis told reporters on Friday when asked if he might have played his final game with Mahomes. “All of my conversations with the team and everything going forward will be with them.”

This NFL player — who is also planning a wedding got engaged taylor swift — noted, “Unfortunately, I have three games left and I know when the season is going to end this year” because they didn’t make the playoffs, calling it a “unique moment” in his life.