Chiefs' Travis Kelce Struggles with Shame After Tough Season

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce opened up about the shame and disappointment he feels after a difficult season that saw the team miss the playoffs, saying he struggles to look head coach Andy Reid in the eye. Kelce's comments have sparked an outpouring of support from fans who insist he has nothing to be ashamed about.

Why it matters

Kelce is one of the NFL's most dominant and respected players, so his candid admission of self-doubt and shame is noteworthy. It speaks to the immense pressure and expectations placed on star athletes, even after a tough season, and the internal struggles they can face.

The details

In an interview with former tight end Tony Gonzalez, Kelce said: "It's frustrating, I feel like I can't even look my guy, coach Andy Reid, into his eyes right now, because I feel like I just disappoint or I let him down someway, somehow, throughout the year." The Chiefs missed the playoffs this season after winning the AFC West for nine straight years, and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

• The interview with Kelce took place on Christmas, after the Chiefs had already been eliminated from playoff contention.
• The Chiefs' nine-year run of winning the AFC West came to an end this season.

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Kelce will return for another season with the Chiefs, as he contemplates his future after a difficult year.