By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-30 17:16:09 | Updated at 2025-01-30 23:24:37
6 hours ago
Travis Kelce has embraced the Kansas City Chiefs' status as NFL villains ahead of their historic Super Bowl clash with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The star tight end revealed on his "New Heights" podcast that he "loves" being cast as a polarising figure in American football.
The Chiefs are preparing to face the Eagles in New Orleans on 9 February, where they will attempt to become the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles.
Kelce's comments come after Kansas City's dramatic 32-29 AFC Championship victory over the Buffalo Bills, which sparked debates over officiating decisions.
Travis Kelce is revelling in the pantomime villain role in the NFL
PA
Speaking on the podcast with his brother Jason, Kelce said: "I love it. At one point in time it wasn't that."
The 35-year-old reflected on how public perception of the team has shifted dramatically over the years.
"I was the 'do you feel bad for them guys,'" Kelce added, referring to the Chiefs' earlier struggles before their recent dominance.
Jason Kelce noted how the Chiefs were once "the darling of the NFL", highlighting the stark contrast to their current reputation as the league's dominant force.
Kelce emphasised how external criticism has strengthened the team's bond in Kansas City.
"I'm enjoying doing this with the guys together, because it just makes us even more of a family," he explained on the podcast.
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The tight end described how the team unites in the face of opposition: "You just circle the wagons when people are saying whatever they want."
"You just band it together, and it just makes you appreciate more of what you have because people want what you have," Kelce added, highlighting how the criticism has brought the squad closer.
The Chiefs have turned public scrutiny into motivation as they pursue their historic championship bid.
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The Eagles will meet them in the Super Bowl final in a repeat of the 2023 final
Reuters
"They're the best f***ing team we're going to play all year. It's going to be electric."
Despite the historic implications of a potential three-peat, Kelce insists the team remains focused solely on the task at hand.
"We don't talk about it at all," he revealed. "It hasn't been mentioned one time outside of being asked about it in the media."
