Travis Kelce has social media divided after a clip of his behavior during the performance of the national anthem before Monday Night Football went viral.
ESPN posted a TikTok on Tuesday, October 28, showing Kelce, 36, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the sidelines before their game against the Washington Commanders on Monday, October 27.
“The difference between Mahomes and Kelce during the anthem 😅,” the video was captioned, showing a stoic Mahomes, 30, standing in place, as Kelce jumped around and did toe taps, unable to stay still.
The video has been viewed more than 1.3 million times and started a debate about the appropriateness of Kelce’s conduct.
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“Kelce needs to be more respectful,” one person commented, while another called Kelce “disturbing and disrespectful 😡.”
Another wrote, “Be more respectful and stop jumping around. I know ur mama raised u better. Trashy!!!”
While many called him out for his perceived antics, the Chiefs tight end also received plenty of support in the comments.
“Ok, as a military vet spouse, and politically considered republican and someone with adhd and kids with it, this doesn’t bother me, one person wrote. “His hand is over his heart, he’s bouncing in place, it was also cold and he has to run. no disrespect in my opinion.”
Another said, “I mean, his hand is over his heart. He’s mouthing the words (albeit off and on). Who cares if he’s warming up his legs a little during it? I see zero disrespect. People literally just looking 👀 for disrespect wherever they can.”
Some comments simply chalked up Kelce’s behavior to his eagerness to hit the field.
“Kelce just ready to play 🤣,” one person wrote, while another said, “Kelce is an excited Labrador Retriever.”
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Kelce turned back the clock against the Commanders on Monday night, earning a season-high 99 receiving yards on eight receptions as the Chiefs defeated Washington, 28-7. With a touchdown in the third quarter, Kelce tied Kansas City legend Priest Holmes for the most receptions in Chiefs franchise history.
“I just cherish these moments, man,” Kelce told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt after the game. “Coming out here, being able to play in front of Chiefs Kingdom at Arrowhead. This place is special, man. I love it here.”
He added, “I’m just the old lucky dog that’s still able to do this thing, man. I’m putting on the pads like I’m 15 years old again, man. I’m loving every single bit of it.”
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Mahomes lauded Kelce – who has played all 13 seasons of his NFL career in Kansas City – during his postgame comments on Monday.
“He’s the true Chiefs Chief,” Mahomes told reporters. “He is the guy that has been here through the whole thing. Been here with [head] coach [Andy] Reid the entire time. He has helped set the culture, you know? He helped set the culture of what it means to play for coach Reid and to play in Kansas City and I was able to come in and then have that guy to rely on.”
Mahomes added, “He’s breaking all the records now and he’s all about the team, so I want to make sure that he gets that and hopefully we can get another football for him later in the season after he actually breaks the record.”
Kelce will get a chance to break Holmes’ all-time franchise receptions record when the Chiefs travel to Buffalo to face the Bills on Sunday, November 2.
