Travis Kelce’s brother defends his on-field performance against critics after the loss to the Texans

Kansas City, Missouri — As the Kansas City Chiefs fight through an uneven stretch of their season and questions swirl about the future of tight end Travis Kelce, one familiar voice stepped forward again after Sunday’s clash with the Houston Texans to deliver a clear, unwavering message.

His brother, Jason Kelce, still isn’t buying the criticism.

The former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center and one of the league’s most respected voices defended Travis publicly this week, responding directly to analysts and commentators who’ve suggested the 36-year-old tight end is no longer performing at an elite level — even after a strong outing against Houston.

“People keep talking like Travis has fallen off. If anyone is questioning him right now, look at the production,” Jason said in a social media post that went up hours after the Chiefs’ win over the Texans, featuring a photo of Travis celebrating in the end zone. “He’s still playing at the highest level in this league.”

The post spread quickly around the NFL — part statistical correction, part big-brother shield, and a reminder that even in Year 13, Travis Kelce remains central to Kansas City’s offense.

Kelce’s numbers still stack up after Houston

Against the Texans, Kelce once again looked like Mahomes’ safety blanket, finishing with 7 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, repeatedly converting key third downs.

On the season, his production remains among the very best at the position:

• 57 receptions

• 717 receiving yards

• 5 touchdowns

He continues to sit near or at the top of most major categories for tight ends and earlier this year set a new Chiefs franchise record for regular-season touchdowns (84), passing Priest Holmes. While Kansas City’s offense has battled injuries and inconsistent play around him, Kelce has remained the most trusted option in the passing game.

Jason’s defense only underscored what people inside the organization already know — Kelce is still performing at a level most tight ends never reach.

Retirement questions aren’t going away

Kelce’s on-field production is only one piece of the conversation. With his contract set to expire after the 2025 season and the Chiefs facing several major roster decisions, speculation about when he might walk away continues to follow every big game — including this win over Houston.

Speaking earlier in the week, Kelce acknowledged the uncertainty without closing any doors.

“The season restarts in April. I want to give the Chiefs clarity. I’ll make my decision when the year ends — not before,” he said.

It was another measured answer from a player who has consistently pushed back on the idea that he’s ready to retire, but who also understands the franchise needs honest communication when that day eventually comes.

Jason Kelce adds perspective from experience

Jason Kelce’s comments carry added weight because he just lived a similar moment. Having recently retired after a Hall of Fame–caliber career, he knows more than most what the final chapters of an NFL journey feel like.

“Consistency is rare in this league. Travis still brings it every week,” Jason added in a follow-up interview. “Whatever decision he makes, it’ll be on his terms — and he’s earned that.”

Together, the Kelce brothers have built one of football’s most iconic family legacies. Jason’s voice now serves as both support and context, cutting through the noise around Travis at a time when every performance is put under a microscope.

Travis Kelce responds: “I’m not going anywhere”

Amid the noise about his future, Travis Kelce himself moved to quiet the retirement talk. In his postgame comments after the win over the Texans, the 36-year-old tight end made it clear he isn’t planning to walk away any time soon.

“As long as I can still help this team win, I’m not leaving this field,” Kelce said. “I know people are talking about age, about what’s next… but I’ve still got work to do in Kansas City. I owe it to Pat, I owe it to this locker room, and I owe it to Chiefs Kingdom to be the best version of myself, not the version from last year or three years ago.”

Kelce stressed that he isn’t living off his résumé, but off what he puts on tape every single week.

“This week was good, but next week has to be better,” he added. “I want to clean up the mistakes, read coverages faster, run sharper routes, and finish every 50–50 ball Pat puts up for me. The goal isn’t just big numbers — the goal is to drag this offense forward and give us a real shot when January football kicks off.”

When asked about what he wants from the rest of the season, Kelce didn’t hesitate.

“We want to get into the playoffs, and not just sneak in,” he said. “We want to go back to being that team nobody wants to see when the calendar flips. If I’m still out there, I’m going to do everything I can to help make sure the Kansas City Chiefs are playing when it matters most.”

A future still unwritten in Kansas City

As Kansas City continues its push for playoff positioning following the Texans game, Travis Kelce remains a crucial piece — schematically, emotionally, and culturally — of the Chiefs’ offense. Whether he chooses to extend his career or starts seriously weighing life after football will remain one of the league’s biggest storylines as the season winds down.

For now, though, Jason Kelce’s message — and Travis’s own words — ring loudest:

Don’t count Travis Kelce out — not after this game, and not yet.

Los Angeles, California – The fallout from the Eagles–Chargers matchup at SoFi Stadium grew far beyond the football field on Monday, after a disturbing video surfaced showing a white female Chargers fan verbally attacking and racially insulting a Black Eagles fan in the stands. The incident spread rapidly across social media, sparking outrage throughout the NFL community.

By Tuesday morning, Philadelphia Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie had taken action.

According to multiple confirmed reports, Lurie personally contacted Chargers owner Dean Spanos, demanding a full investigation to identify the woman involved and issue strict disciplinary measures — including a permanent ban from SoFi Stadium.

In a firm and deeply resonant statement directed at both Chargers ownership and the NFL, Lurie said:

“Every one of our fans deserves to cheer in an environment of safety and respect — regardless of race, gender, or anything else. If we allow behavior like this to stand, then we are betraying the very values this sport is built on. Respect is not optional — it is a responsibility. And I expect the Chargers to act swiftly to uphold that standard.”

The message spread quickly, praised across the league as one of the strongest public stances taken by a team owner on behalf of fans in recent memory.

Sources within the Chargers organization say Spanos took the request “very seriously” and has already mobilized stadium security, SoFi camera teams, and NFL Security to review footage and track down the individual within the next 48 hours.

The incident comes at a critical moment for the NFL, which has been working to establish safer and more inclusive stadium environments. But the altercation at SoFi served as a stark reminder that racial harassment remains a real and persistent issue — and cannot be ignored.

Fans across the country, including many outside Philadelphia, applauded Lurie’s decisive response. Social media lit up with messages supporting the Eagles’ owner for standing firmly behind his fanbase and refusing to let the incident fade into the background.

For now, the investigation continues, but something is already clear:

The Eagles will not be silent.Jeffrey Lurie will not allow discrimination to go unpunished.

And the NFL has been put on notice.