Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce addressed a painful loss on his podcast. He spoke candidly on episode 169 of New Heights with his brother, Jason. The Kansas City Chiefs fell 20-10 to the Houston Texans on Sunday. A late Kelce fumble became a defining moment in the team’s latest setback.
The defeat dropped the Chiefs to a surprising 6-7 record this season. This marks a steep decline for the perennial AFC powerhouse. Kelce has faced more criticism than at any point in his storied career. His tone on the podcast reflected the weight of the current struggles.
“I fix the issues through my practice habits and through perfecting the game plan and my fundamentals,” Kelce stated. He emphasised his commitment to playing hard for his teammates. However, he acknowledged the results haven’t materialised this year.
Travis Kelce shares frustrations with the Chiefs season and the reality of missing the playoffs.
“It’s a sh**ty f**king feeling.”
Via New Heights Podcast pic.twitter.com/vN9Pfr1G3H
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“It’s all going to come together as it has in years past, and this year is just not, man,” Kelce said. “Not to say that I won’t keep doing that. It’s all that I can do.” He described the playoff reality as “a tough reality to be in” and a “shitty feeling.”
The key fumble occurred with Kansas City trailing 17-10 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes targeted Kelce on a crucial play. The ball hit Kelce’s hands but bounced away, resulting in a turnover. Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair recovered the fumble to seal the game.
Travis Kelce shares how fiancée Taylor Swift ranked on his Spotify 'Wrapped' list on his 'New Heights' podcast. https://t.co/9Ja9CbrCdw
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) December 10, 2025
Kelce stayed on the ground afterwards, staring at the turf in frustration. This rare reaction highlighted the season’s mounting frustrations. The play symbolised the Chiefs’ broader struggles with execution and consistency in 2025.
Read: Stephen A. Smith Suggests Travis Kelce Could Retire for Taylor Swift
Kelce’s statistical output mirrors the team’s offensive decline. After 13 games, he has recorded 60 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. For a player who has been selected to the Pro Bowl for ten consecutive years, these statistics indicate a noticeable decline. The Chiefs are now facing a crucial final stretch to save their playoff aspirations.