'Damage control': Travis Kelce slammed for pledging not to play 'with anybody else' if Andy Reid quits
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Travis Kelce, the standout tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has opened up about his intense altercation with coach Andy Reid, expressing that he would consider retirement if Reid were to step down.
Kelce was recently captured on video displaying frustration toward head coach Reid after being excluded from a critical play. However, the 'Inside the NFL' program, which aired mic'd up segments from the game, notably omitted the audio, prompting criticism from several internet users directed at the NFL.
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who played for the New England Patriots, also weighed in on the incident involving Kelce's confrontation with Reid on the field. Brady empathized with Kelce's emotions, noting that he has experienced similar situations himself.
He acknowledged that such familial tensions are common in football and expressed his openness to witnessing them, given his own involvement in similar scenarios.
Travis Kelce asserts he will quit if Andy Reid retires
According to People Magazine, Travis recently revealed that he is committed solely to playing under Kansas City Chiefs head coach Reid. During the latest episode of Travis' 'New Heights' podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, the Super Bowl-winning tight end expressed his willingness to retire from football if Reid were to step down.
People Magazine reports that Travis made this statement while discussing his much-debated confrontation with Reid on the sidelines during Sunday night's Super Bowl game.
Reflecting on the incident where he shoved Reid, causing the coach to lose his balance, Travis explained, "I’m a passionate guy. I love Coach Reid, Coach Reid knows how much I love to play for him, how much I love to be a product of his coaching career. I’m not playing for anybody else but Big Red. If he calls it quits this year I’m out of there with him, man."
According to People Magazine, Jason expressed concern but reassured his brother, saying, "He ain't calling it quits, come on now," to which Travis responded, "He's not."
People Magazine also notes that Reid boasts an impressive 25-year record as an NFL coach, including three Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs. Reid confirmed his intention to return as the Chiefs' coach next season shortly after winning the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Reflecting on his outburst on the sidelines, Travis admitted on the podcast, "I can’t get that fired up to the point where bumping coach and it’s getting him off balance and stuff. When he stumbled, I was like, aw s**t’ in my head." He also acknowledged that he deserved some stern words from Reid after the incident.
Internet reacts
Internet users took to Facebook to call Travis out after him expressing his commitment toward Reid in recent podcast.
A user wrote, "Well, I still think he should've been benched or fined by NFL for unsportsmanlike behavior. But I guess it's a step. I still do not trust his bad behavior or temper."
Another user wrote, "Trying to do some damage control I see….. still not happy with his actions in front of millions of young adults too see."
A user commented, "Travis should have been benched yelling only inches away from his face and almost knocked him over my god Travis have no respect for coach not good poor sportmanlike manner shame shame."
Another user commented, "With his temper, what other coach will work with him? You get a great player, but you also get a player that might smash his helmet over your head."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.