Travis Kelces mom, Donna, has broken her silence on the mounting criticism of his performances for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kelce once again struggled against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, leading some NFL analysts and fans to question whether he should retire.
The tight ends dismal display in Georgia followed similar performances against the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the early weeks of the NFL season.
His popstar girlfriend Taylor Swift, who attended her first Chiefs game exactly one year ago on Tuesday, was also absent from the game in Atlanta having been at the first two.
But Donna Kelce, 71, insists the treatment of her son has been harsh and tough to see.
Travis Kelce s mom has broken her silence on the mounting criticism of his performances
Donna Kelce was speaking at the premiere of her sons new FX horror series Grotesquerie
Speaking at the premiere of Kelces FX series Grotesquerie, which launches on Wednesday, she told PEOPLE: Its tough, it really is.
You know, I dont think they realize the pressure that people are under, whether theyre athletes or professionals that are in front of the camera. And its just very difficult, theres a lot of things going on behind the scenes.
You dont realize how many times people are trying to keep you from catching the ball, or trying to trip you up or hit you… so its kinda hard when youve got people that are in your face 24/7.
Analysts and fans are adamant Kelce is hurtling towards retirement after his latest performance continued the worst form of his NFL career.
Kelce, who was caught by TV cameras looking particularly miserable on the sideline in a clip which went viral, only had four catches for 30 yards in Atlanta as his sluggish start to the season continued.
NBCs lead analyst Cris Collinsworth admitted he was flabbergasted by Kelce on Sunday night, having also watched him struggle in week one against the Ravens.
Kelce had four catches for 30 yards in Atlanta as his sluggish start to the season continued
He said on commentary: Im just flabbergasted. I mean, one game, big deal. Two games, alright.
This is the third game now where we have not seen the magic of (Patrick) Mahomes and Kelce, and I cant really explain that one.
Rodney Harrison, another NBC analyst, blamed Kelces latest lackluster performance on his other commitments.
He said: Hes busy. Hes got a lot on his plate. 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.
