'Still going to fear him': Despite lowest stats of career, Travis Kelce gets fierce support from Emmanuel Acho
Travis Kelce's 2024 performance has led to questions about his decline, but Emmanuel Acho urges caution (Getty Images)
Travis Kelce
's 2024 performance sparked decline talks, but analyst Emmanuel Acho wants further proof before writing him off. Kelce reportedly shed 25 pounds ahead of minicamp. Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo praised Kelce as a pure megastar as he enters his 13th season.
NFL's rush to bury Travis Kelce sparks backlash from Emmanuel Acho
The 2024 NFL season saw Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce deliver a performance that ignited widespread discussion about his career route. His statistics—his lowest in yards and touchdowns—led many to speculate that his peak years might be behind him. However, some sports commentators, like former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho, advocate for a more measured assessment before concluding that Kelce's dominance is over.
On FS1's "The Facility," analyst Emmanuel Acho urged caution before writing off Travis Kelce, despite his perceived dip in 2024. Acho, a former NFL player, observed, 'I think he's lost a step, and I saw it on tape last year." He noted Kelce 'struggled more than ever beating man coverage.'
Chiefs have third-best odds to win Super Bowl LX, teams should still fear KC | NFL | THE FACILITY
However, Acho emphasized, 'Let Travis Kelce confirm that he's lost a step, then you can no longer fear the Chiefs. This year I'm still going to fear him,' advocating for another season to truly assess his performance.
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Further underscoring Kelce's commitment, Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter that the tight end is undergoing a notable physical transformation. He's reportedly aiming to lose 25 pounds before the upcoming minicamp. Fowler observed, "He played a little heavier in 2024. He vowed to change it, and he has. This could be the last dance for him in his mid-30s, and still be a productive player." This dedicated effort to improve his conditioning highlights Kelce's drive to remain an elite performer.
Even as he approaches his thirteenth season, Travis Kelce continues to be a revered presence within the Kansas City Chiefs. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo recently expressed his profound admiration for the veteran on the "New Heights" podcast. Spagnuolo highly praised Kelce's character, remarking, "I'm not saying this because you're sitting here, Trav, but you're one of the purest, down-to-earth megastars that anybody could ever meet.
"
Chiefs Steve Spagnuolo on Building an Elite Defense, "Bribing" Andy Reid & Battling Brady | EP 143
Kelce's heartfelt response, "You're the best. That means the most coming from you, coach," beautifully underscored the deep mutual respect between the player and the coach who've shared in multiple Super Bowl triumphs.
The Chiefs are set to kick off their season on September 5, with a highly anticipated matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at 7:15 PM CT, exclusively streamed on YouTube. Prior to the regular season, fans will get their first glimpse of Kelce and the Chiefs when they play the Arizona Cardinals in their initial preseason game on August 9.
Also Read:
'A trumpster': Fans slam Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for sitting with Donald Trump loyalist Wayne Gretzky
As the Chiefs prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Travis Kelce to see if this "pure, down-to-earth megastar" can once again silence the doubters and lead his team to further glory.
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