ESPN analyst Jason Kelce defended his brother Travis Kelce’s name after early 2024 season narratives tarnished his brother’s name. Kelce, a four-time First Team All-Pro tight end, is one of Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets but has not had his usual impact in the first four weeks of the year. Travis has a career-low 3.8 receptions and 39.5 yards per game, with 15 receptions for 158 yards. His relationship with Taylor Swift has drawn attention outside of football, with haters comparing his love affair to declining stats. His older brother, Jason, defended Travis on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, despite the controversies surrounding his declining stats.

Jason Kelce defends Travis Kelce amid constant criticism

Jason Kelce discussed his brother Travis Kelce’s slow start to the 2024 NFL season before the Kansas City Chiefs’ appearance on Monday Night Football, expecting Travis to return to his dominant self. Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift has led to publicized personal life, resulting in scrutiny over his offseason. Despite not scoring a touchdown in his first four games, his brother Jason defended him, stating that his brother hasn’t changed despite his newfound stardom.

“I know optics are that he is all over the place. And that’s not just optics, that’s just reality. But he still keeps the main thing the main thing. Football has always been the most important thing in Travis’s life. He has always lived his life to the fullest. He has enjoyed his offseasons very much, even before Taylor Swift… I think that he is always going to find a way to make football the number one priority,” said Jason.

“I know it’s been a slow start for him. I know the optics have certainly appeared [that Swift could be a distraction],” Jason said as the broadcast showed Swift walking into Arrowhead Stadium. “Aye, look at that now, she’s got the plaid on right now. That looks good,” Jason said as a sidebar, commenting on Taylor’s outfit. “Trav is always gonna find a way to show up and show out. It’s only a matter of time before he gets back to the best that we’ve seen,” Jason added.

Travis Kelce, who had 15 receptions for 158 yards and no touchdowns in four games, will focus on building on his best game of the season in Week 4 and aiming to improve his performance throughout the season. Fans, high on expectations for a nine-time Pro Bowl tight end, may attribute Kelce’s off-field antics to his lackluster start. Jason clarified that Kelce remains focused and determined, proving that his younger brother is just as determined as ever.