Former NFL scout John Middlekauff reckons Travis Kelce has been playing like an old man this season, and he doesn’t believe it has anything to do with Taylor Swift.
Kelce hasn’t been his usual best in 2023, which is expected as he’s played hurt for most of the campaign. But the Chiefs can count on him to do what needs to be done once the playoffs come around, as long as he remains available.
Speaking on Colin Cowherd’s ‘The Herd’ podcast this week, Middlekauff acknowledged that the tight end has been dealing with injuries but noted that age is beginning to catch up with him.
“He’s kind of looked old this year,” Middlekauff said. “And part of it, he had a knee injury right before the season started, he’s had ankle injuries. He just kind of looks old. “And this is the NFL, where you don’t always see it coming. He’s one of the greatest players of all time, he’s one of my favorite players to watch. But he’s looked his age a little bit.
“To me, Travis flying to Taylor and being in love, it has nothing to do with that. He’s a 34 year old guy with a lot miles on his body who’s starting to get banged up. His game is very predicated on athleticism, movement, speed, explosiveness. And he just feels like a step slow this year.”
The former scout also suggested that a Travis Kelce who is not up to standard might not be enough for the Chiefs to make a deep playoff run this term.
Kelce has had the spotlight on him for reasons that have nothing to do with football. His blossoming relationship with the aforementioned pop icon has gotten plenty of coverage, but you could tell he hasn’t allowed it to become a distraction.
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Middlekauff is correct in noting that age, plus the wear and tear on the player’s body, is beginning to take a toll.
Even Travis thinks so. Just last week, he told his brother Jason he has considered retirement due to the injuries he’s suffered and their resulting surgeries.
“The lingering injuries – the 10 surgeries I’ve had that I still feel every single surgery to this day,” he said on their ‘New Heights’ podcast.
“The surgeries take a toll, man. They take a toll. I was unfortunate I got the knee surgery but fortunate I haven’t had any problems with that situation since then.”
