Angry Swifties have hit back against NFL analyst Rodney Harrison after he blamed Travis Kelces latest lackluster performance for the Kansas City Chiefs on his other commitments.
The reigning Super Bowl champions extended their perfect start to the season to 3-0 on Sunday night as they beat the Atlanta Falcons 22-17.
But it was another quiet night for Kelce, whose girlfriend Taylor Swift skipped the game, as cameras caught him looking particularly miserable on the sideline in a clip which went viral.
Kelce only had four catches for 30 yards in Atlanta and continued whats been an unusually sluggish start to the season for the 34-year-old as he looks to add a fourth Super Bowl ring – and third in a row – to his collection in 2024.
Working for NBC, Harrison was scathing in his criticism of Kelce after the game and said: Hes busy. Hes got a lot on his plate.
Angry Swifties have hit back against NFL analyst Rodney Harrisons criticism of Travis Kelce
Kelce only had four catches for 30 yards in Atlanta and continued his sluggish start to the year
You think about it. Hes doing a lot of different things. Media-wise, hes playing football, hes got other things going on.
When youre in that situation youve got to forget about everything else and focus 100 per cent on football. Thats the main responsibility.
Guys are making plays on him. Jesse Bates did a heck of a job on him tonight.
He (Kelce) just doesnt have the same speed. Hes a good player still but I dont believe hes a great, great player.
Those comments drew a furious reaction from some of Swifts loyal fans and they took to social media to defend the Chiefs tight end.
One posted: This is such a bs talking point. Because if you actually paid attention to Trav, hes 150% locked in on football.
Outside of the podcast (that he films on his off day), we do not see him. All of the “stuff” you see him involved with was done during the off season. Im tired.
Another tagged Harrison into their post and wrote: @Rodney_Harrison I see you have a family, but what I dont see if you saying that your wife is distracting you from your job. Keep Traviss personal life away from the game, or put yours into it.
Theres no way. Travis stays late at the facility getting more reps in and they decide to say that, added a third Swiftie.
Other fans blamed Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid for not getting the ball to Kelce.
A fan said: And they start blaming his offseason stuff again, no one talks about how Mahomes doesnt give him the ball when hes open.
Another added: “He doesnt have the same speed” and yet hes getting open every play and successfully blocking. Im done.
Kelces return against the Falcons means he now has just 69 yards across three games, although he did manage to double his reception tally to eight.
Mahomes claimed afterwards that Kelces coverage by opponents is making it hard to get the ball to him.
The quarterback said: I mean the respect factor they have for Travis is still unreal and its well deserved.
Were calling a lot of plays for Travis and its like two or three people are going to him.
He understands. Thats the great thing about him. He wants to make an impact on the game but he wants to win at the end of the day.
Im going to try and do my best to keep feeding him the ball whenever hes there, whenever hes open.
I think the more Rashee (Rice) makes plays, the more were able to run the football, the more we can get (Xavier) Worthy involved, I think thats going to open up Travis more.
People are really emphasizing trying to take him away and its getting other guys open.
Swift was spotted on a lowkey night out with BFF Gigi Hadid in New York City on Saturday
Kelces latest off-night came after girlfriend Swift failed to make an appearance at a Chiefs game for the first time this season.
The pop megastar was nowhere to be seen in Atlanta despite her free schedule as she enjoys a break from her international Eras Tour.
On Saturday Swift was spotted on a lowkey night out with BFF Gigi Hadid in New York City, where she rocked a plaid miniskirt as they grabbed a bite to eat at The Corner Store restaurant in SoHo.
But despite many expecting her to appear in Atlanta, she instead turned down the chance to follow Kelce and Kansas City on the road.
Swift attended the Chiefs opening two games of the 2024 campaign, both of which were played in Kansas City.
