Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is facing significant backlash amidst what has been a challenging season for the team. The Chiefs are reeling after a disappointing 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans, and Kelce’s performance, along with his media silence, has become a focal point of criticism. Pete Mundo, host of 710 KCMO’s morning show, didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration with Kelce’s behavior.
“Two weeks ago, we get his Mahomes ‘Kermit the Frog’ impression after they beat the Colts,” Mundo posted on X. “They win, he’s in a good mood, he’ll talk. But once again, after his worst game of the season, and with the season on the brink, he can’t give a few basic quotes? Something as simple as, ‘We’ve gotta play better’ or ‘We won’t give up on the season?’ That’s IT!”
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Mundo’s critique comes as Kelce struggles through one of the worst seasons of his career. With 60 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns after Week 14, Kelce’s numbers are far below his usual standards. Last season, he managed 97 catches for 823 yards, marking the first time in seven years he didn’t surpass 1,000 receiving yards. His recent performances have been marred by mistakes, including two critical missed catches in the game against the Texans. Both passes from Patrick Mahomes hit Kelce’s hands but resulted in no gain. The second drop led to an interception by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, setting up a field goal that sealed Kansas City’s fate.
While poor performance is part of any athlete’s journey, Kelce’s decision to avoid the media after tough losses has sparked debate about his leadership qualities. As a 13-year NFL veteran and one of the league’s highest-paid tight ends, fans and analysts expect more accountability from him. Mundo wasn’t alone in questioning Kelce’s approach. When a fan suggested that Kelce might be saving his thoughts for his podcast, New Heights, Mundo fired back with another sharp critique: “Pathetic,” he wrote on X. “So he can answer his brother’s softball questions on the podcast? Weak.”
The New Heights podcast, which Kelce co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles, has enjoyed massive success since its debut in 2022. The show dives into both on-field and off-field stories and has become a favorite among NFL fans. In 2024, the podcast reached new heights-pun intended-by signing a lucrative deal with Amazon’s Wondery, reportedly worth over $100 million for three years. The agreement granted Wondery exclusive ad sales and distribution rights.
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Some fans have even suggested that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid should make an appearance on New Heights to address Kelce’s silence directly. Perhaps such a move could prompt the tight end to finally open up about the team’s struggles and his own performance. For now, though, all eyes are on whether Kelce will use his platform to confront “the elephant in the room” or continue to steer clear of tough conversations.
New episodes of New Heights drop every Wednesday, leaving fans curious if Kelce will address these mounting criticisms or stick to safer topics. Until then, it seems Pete Mundo and others will keep holding him accountable for what they see as a lack of leadership during a trying season for the Chiefs.