ESPN analyst Jason Kelce was not going to let the early 2024 season narratives tarnish his brother's name.
It's no secret that Travis Kelce has not had his most dominant start to the year. The four-time First Team All-Pro tight end is typically one of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite targets, but he has not had his usual impact through four weeks.
Kelce has yet to find the end zone and only has 15 receptions for 158 yards. That brings him to a career-low 3.8 receptions and 39.5 yards per game.
Of course, Travis' relationship with pop megastar Taylor Swift has drawn plenty of attention to his life outside of football. The haters have been quick to draw a line between his love affair and declining stats on the field, but his older brother, Jason, was not going to let that slide on ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown."
What did Jason say in defense of his brother Travis? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.
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Jason Kelce defends brother Travis about Taylor Swift distraction slander
On ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown," Jason was asked about his brother Travis' slow start to the 2024 season.
Jason began to speak on how Travis would not let the off-field stuff get in the way of his on-field production, harping on, "[Travis'] relationship with his teammates, and [head coach Andy] Reid, and his legacy.
"I know it's been a slow start for him. I know the optics have certainly appeared [that Swift could be a distraction]," Jason said as the broadcast showed Swift walking into Arrowhead Stadium.
"Aye, look at that now, she's got the plaid on right now. That looks good," Jason said as a sidebar, commenting on Taylor's outfit.
"Trav is always gonna find a way to show up and show out. It's only a matter of time before he gets back to the best that we've seen," Jason concluded.
jason kelce the king you are
— jules⸆⸉ (taylor’s version) ❤️💛 (@julesthearcher) October 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/seAi3ecuWW
jason kelce? biggest taywarrior ever pic.twitter.com/CGPcGJTUnj
— Daniela✨ (taylor’s version) (@daylightxswift) October 7, 2024
MORE: Latest updates on Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Saints game
Travis had quite the offseason, traveling the world to watch Swift perform on her "Eras Tour." Jason also came to his brother's defense there, stating that Travis has "always enjoyed his offseasons, way before Taylor."
Travis is trending in the right direction, though.
He had a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards in a win over the Chargers in Week 4 and will look to build on that performance against the Saints on "Monday Night Football" in Week 5.
And, not for nothing, but the Chiefs are still winning games without his production. The defending champions are off to a perfect 4-0 start, hoping to take an undefeated record into their bye in Week 6.
