Stephen A. Smith argues “legitimate questions” surround Travis Kelce’s ability to focus on football

After signing a two-year contract extension worth up to $34.25 million this past offseason, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been underperforming.

The 2023 Pro Bowl tight end has lacked production in the Chiefs' first three games this season as he only has eight receptions for 69 yards and zero touchdowns.

Talking about Kelce's season performance on Wednesday's edition of ESPN's "First Take," Stephen A. Smith questioned his ability to focus on football with his life outside of it. Smith believes Kelce has the talent to be one of the best players in the league and that a Super Bowl run is improbable for the Chiefs with Kelce being ineffective.

"It's fair to say there was a lot going on in the life of Travis Kelce that extended beyond football, and because of that, him looking the way that he has looked thus far, those are legitimate questions, but it's not like I'm concerned," Smith said. "Does he need to get it going? Yes, but why does he need to get it going?"

"Because without this brother to rely upon, Kansas City ain't winning no damn Super Bowl. I can promise you that I don't give a damn how great Patrick Mahomes is. He can't is one thing Patrick Mahomes cannot do. He can't throw the football and catch it himself."

Travis Kelce isn't worried about stats, but more focused on team wins

Travis Kelce during Cincinnati Bengals v Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Getty

Travis Kelce isn't focused on his lack of catches this season. Instead, he said on his "New Heights" podcast on Wednesday that he is engaged in executing and doing whatever it takes to help the Chiefs win games.

"I’ve had a lot of catches in this league, man. I’m not worried about the catches and the yards and all that," Kelce said. "I have the most fun when the ball is thrown my way, who doesn’t? It has everything to do with execution, just making sure we’re doing whatever we can to win these football games, man. That’s always going to be the goal.”

Patrick Mahomes has also had some struggles in the first three games. He's thrown for five touchdowns, four interceptions and 659 passing yards. If he finishes the campaign with his current passer rating of 89.9 or lower, it would be the lowest of any single season in his career.