Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar tight end, has always been a dominant force on the field. Yet, in the opening weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Kelce seems to be missing his usual spark, leading critics to question whether his personal life is impacting his performance. Some even go so far as to claim that his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift is distracting him, fueling headlines with accusations that the NFL star might be “too old” to maintain his elite status.

Kelce, 34, has faced scrutiny before, but this time, the whispers are louder. Despite being one of the league’s most celebrated tight ends, boasting multiple Pro Bowl selections and Super Bowl rings, Kelce is reportedly off to one of the slowest starts of his career. Fans and analysts alike are debating whether his recent romance with Swift is to blame for his subpar performance on the field.

Many are pointing fingers at his highly publicized relationship with Taylor Swift, suggesting that the constant media attention is pulling Kelce away from his usual laser focus on football. Swifties, however, are quick to defend the duo, claiming Kelce has more than enough experience to balance his personal and professional life. Some NFL commentators have even dismissed the criticism as nothing more than a sensationalist take aimed at stirring controversy.

One sports analyst commented, “Travis Kelce isn’t the first athlete to date a celebrity, and it certainly won’t be the last. But the speed at which people are blaming his relationship for his recent on-field struggles feels overblown.”

Still, others argue that at 34, Kelce may simply be reaching the twilight of his career, and the spotlight on his personal life only magnifies the natural decline that all athletes eventually face.

The age narrative is gaining momentum, with critics noting that Kelce, who’s been in the league for over a decade, is at a point in his career where many athletes begin to see their skills start to diminish. Kelce, known for his speed and agility, may now be battling the wear and tear that comes with time in one of the most physically demanding positions in football.

But is this really about age, or has Kelce simply been unlucky with injuries early in the season? The tight end missed Week 1 due to a knee injury, and it’s possible that his slow start has more to do with recovery than any off-field distractions or age-related decline.

The Chiefs’ coaching staff, including head coach Andy Reid, has also brushed aside claims that Kelce is anything but focused, insisting that the veteran tight end is still a crucial part of their offense. Reid recently stated in a press conference, “Travis is as locked in as ever. He’s had some early challenges with injuries, but we’re confident he’ll bounce back.”

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Kelce to see if he can shake off the criticism and return to form. While the rumors of his relationship with Swift continue to swirl, the NFL star has yet to publicly address the speculation. It remains to be seen if he will let the chatter fuel his comeback or if these distractions will continue to cast a shadow over his season.

Regardless of the reasons behind his slow start, one thing is certain: Travis Kelce is no stranger to adversity, and if history is any indication, he might just be setting the stage for a dramatic comeback that will silence his doubters once and for all. After all, when you’re dating Taylor Swift, you know a thing or two about rising above the noise.

As for Swift, her fans are sure to stand by her and Kelce, ready to cheer him on—both from the stands and across social media. And who knows? Perhaps this newfound spotlight on their relationship will end up being the extra motivation Kelce needs to prove he’s far from “old” or “distracted.”

Stay tuned, because the next chapter in this celebrity-sports crossover saga is far from over.