Just In: Travis Kelce says in an interview “I’m my own worst critic. Everything … See more

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, has addressed concerns about his slow start to the 2023 NFL season and rumors that his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift might be affecting his performance.

Despite the Chiefs’ 3-0 start, Kelce has logged just eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns in three games, an unusual dip for the seasoned player.

Kelce, 34, brushed off the criticism, emphasizing that he remains focused on his performance, and expressed his confidence in the Chiefs’ offensive strategy, crediting his teammates for stepping up during his quieter performances.

“I think this year stats may say something different, but at the same time you’ll see the same person inside this building, and that’s all I really care about,” Kelce told the press. “I’m my own worst critic. Everything outside of this building is just noise.

“I’m fortunate. I’ve had the success in the past and I realised that the ball can’t always go to one person. It can’t always get in my hands, but at the same time, I got all the trust in [Patrick Mahomes] to make the right decision, and he’s been making great decisions.

“We might not be putting up as [many] points as we want to, but at the same time we’re 3-0 and we’re doing something right.”

Although Kelce has had a slow start, other Chiefs players have filled the gap. Wide receiver Rashee Rice shone against the Falcons with 12 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, while backup tight end Noah Gray added 50 receiving yards.

Undrafted running back Carson Steele also stepped up, rushing for 72 yards in Week 3, compensating for the absence of Isiah Pacheco.

Kelce praised his teammates, particularly Rice and Gray, saying, “I love the way Rashee’s been playing. He’s fun to play with and he’s one of my favourite guys in the building.

“We put more trust in Noah. It’s great to see him go out there and do the things that he can do and he’s just such a well-rounded player.

“Outside of that, [Steele], too, I think the emergence of guys stepping up to the plate and making plays for us and helping us win ball games is the most fun so far this year.”