Ex-NFL coach Eric Mangini blames Taylor Swift for boyfriend Travis Kelce hitting a career low last season

Eric Mangini said Travis Kelce looked like he was 'taking time to reload,' fueling speculation that 2024 'may have been his last season'
PUBLISHED JUL 18, 2025
Eric Mangini cited 35-year-old Taylor Swift as one reason why Travis Kelce, also 35, struggled in 2024 compared to past seasons (Getty Images)
Eric Mangini cited 35-year-old Taylor Swift as one reason why Travis Kelce, also 35, struggled in 2024 compared to past seasons (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is drawing criticism as speculation mounts over whether his highly publicized relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift is affecting his football performance.

Former NFL coach Eric Mangini recently suggested that Kelce, who turns 36 this year, may be "preparing for the end" of his career amid increasing distractions from his off-field ventures.

While Kelce remains a key figure in the Chiefs’ offense, his declining stats during the 2024 season, coupled with celebrity commitments, have sparked debate over his priorities as training camp for the new season begins.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 12: Travis Kelce, left, and Taylor Swift react as the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers play during the first period in Game Four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift react as the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers play during the first period in Game Four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Travis Kelce’s dip in form fuels concerns he’s preparing for life after football, says ex-coach

Eric Mangini, former head coach of the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, didn’t mince words when discussing Kelce's performance.

Eric Mangini says Travis Kelce’s off-field distractions may be catching up with him (YouTube / Breakfast Ball)
Eric Mangini said Travis Kelce’s off-field distractions may be catching up with him (Screengrab/YouTube/Breakfast Ball)

“Between the relationship, his TV projects, the podcast with his brother, and a shortened offseason, that’s a lot to juggle for any player, let alone someone in their mid-30s,” Mangini said in recent interview.

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after a 17-10 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after a 17-10 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Kelce posted some of the lowest numbers of his career last season. While he remains a top-tier tight end, the statistical drop has fueled concerns about whether his dedication to football has waned as his media profile rises.

Mangini added, “He looks like a guy who's trying to reset, maybe even prepare for the end.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship thrives amid media frenzy and wedding speculation

Despite the scrutiny, Kelce and Swift’s relationship appears stronger than ever. The couple made their red carpet debut at Tight End University, radiating warmth and joy. Insiders close to the couple say they’ve enjoyed a slower-paced offseason, spending quiet time in Nashville and New York.


 
 
 
 
 
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"Taylor and Travis are finally able to enjoy each other's company without cameras constantly following them. It's helped their bond grow even stronger," one source told reporters.

Their relationship, which began in summer 2023, continues to make headlines, especially after name-labeled seat cards for both were spotted at a family event in Tennessee, fueling wedding rumors.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend the men's final on day fourteen of the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City (Jean Catuffe/GC Images)
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend the men's final on day fourteen of the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center on September 8, 2024, in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City (Jean Catuffe/GC Images)

The couple has not commented on the speculation.

Travis Kelce’s future under spotlight as critics question NFL focus amid booming media career

Earlier this year, Kelce signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract extension with the Chiefs, a move that confirmed his intention to keep playing.

However, with his brother Jason Kelce retiring and Travis appearing in documentaries and game shows, some insiders speculate that the tight end is preparing for a post-NFL career in entertainment.

(L-R) Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles watch game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles watch game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Getty Images)

While critics question his focus, Kelce remains vital to Kansas City’s offense. As the 2025 season approaches, the spotlight on his performance will only intensify.

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