Ex-Browns coach blames Kelce’s 'budding romance' with Taylor Swift as reason for poor performance

Eric Mangini attributes Travis Kelce's poor performance to offseason distractions, including his relationship with Taylor Swift and various commitments

Updated on: Jul 9, 2025, 09:31:14 IST

By HT News Desk

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Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce had a dismal performance last season and the ex-coach of the Cleveland Browns, Eric Mangini, has given his analysis for the tight-end's poor performance. Mangini claimed on the chat show Breakfast Ball that Kelce’s offseason commitments, including his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, are behind his downfall.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at an NHL game. (Getty Images via AFP)

"When you look at his offseason last year, it was filled with everything but football," he said. "So, he's got the budding romance, he's on tour, he's traveling overseas, all that stuff, which is, which is great. Then he's got the TV show. So, he films the TV show. Good with that, too. Then he's got the podcast.”

He continued his scathing criticism, adding, “So he's got so many things in a shortened season, be which, you know, you're hoping the guys are going to get away from football and decompress, but not get away from football and 50 other things... I'm not angry at him taking advantage of the opportunities, but I do think that put him a little bit behind the eight-ball going into the season."

Also read: Travis Kelce’s heartfelt tribute to Taylor Swift’s masters win: Here’s how he celebrated

Kelce’s future with the Chiefs

Last season, the 10x Pro Bowler recorded 823 yards and three receiving touchdowns. This poor performance led many fans to speculate whether Kelce is now close to considering retirement from the sport. However, he has decided to return with the Chiefs for the 2025-26 NFL season.

During a press conference at the team’s minicamp last month, Kelce spoke about his future with the Chiefs in thorough detail. “The Chiefs organization knows how much I love them," he said. "I can't see myself ever playing anywhere else, so we will deal with that down the road when the time is right. But right now, I am focused on winning the championship this year."

The Chiefs will be facing the Arizona Cardinals for their first game of the 2025 NFL season on August 10.

By Stuti Gupta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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