Chiefs GM reveals Travis Kelce battled ‘pretty big illness’ before Super Bowl, NFL fans call it 'excuse'

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS; Travis Kelce reportedly battled an illness before Super Bowl LIX.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was not at his best during the team's February 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and a recent revelation suggests his health may have played a role.

Brett Veach says Travis Kelce had a 'pretty big illness' before the Super Bowl

While appearing on the NFL’s 'The Insiders' podcast, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach shared insight into Travis Kelce’s condition before the game.

“He was battling with [a] pretty big illness there before the Super Bowl,” said Veach.

Veach made it clear, however, that Kelce’s condition was not an excuse for the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Eagles.

“With the way the Eagles played, it wouldn’t have made a difference,” Veach said, as per USA Today.

Brett Veach opens up on Travis Kelce's retirement 

Brett Veach also addressed Travis Kelce's retirement speculation, highlighting his value to the team.

The GM called Kelce “such an intangible to have in the locker room,” and spoke about his connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"Obviously the relationship he has with Pat is unique too,” Veach continued, adding “So he makes us better when he’s in our locker room and on the field, and we’re excited to get him back.”

Fans react to Brett Veach's comments about Travis Kelce's 'illness'

Brett Veach's statement about Travis Kelce's illness, without further details, led to online speculation, with many fans criticizing the revelation.

“More excuses,” one person wrote. “What an excuse! If he was actually battling an illness, don’t think he would’ve been out on multiple date nights right before the game,” another wrote.

“Probably from his boosters,” one speculated. “'Pretty big illness,' yet he went out the night before and looked perfectly fine??? Didn’t know a hangover was an illness lol,” another joked.

Some fans linked this to Taylor Swift and questioned about his dates before game day. “I thought he played bad because his girlfriend got booed?” one commented. “Was he talking about Taylor?” another joked.

“So now we’re referring to a hangover as 'a pretty big illness.' I’ll use that when I call out of work,” one more quipped.

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