ESPN Host Criticizes Travis Kelce for Avoiding Media After Chiefs' Playoff Loss
On December 17, 2025, Fox News reported that ESPN host Chris "Mad Dog" Russo criticized Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce for not addressing reporters after the Chiefs' 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, which eliminated Kansas City from the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Russo argued that Kelce should have spoken to the media postgame and dismissed Kelce's New Heights podcast as irrelevant to serious fans. This criticism illustrated a clash between postgame media access expectations and Kelce's media ventures.
In addition to the loss, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reportedly tore his ACL, with some reports also noting a torn LCL, ending his season. Mahomes underwent surgery in Dallas by Dr. Dan Cooper, with recovery potentially lasting longer than nine months. Despite the team's playoff elimination, there is hope Mahomes will return for the 2026 season, though the recovery timeline remains uncertain.
Kelce, currently in his 13th NFL season, has three games remaining this year. His future with the Chiefs is uncertain, as he had previously indicated that he would inform the team of his retirement decisions before the new league year in March.
