Philadelphia, PA – June 18, 2025
Travis Kelce may be coming off his least productive season in nearly a decade, but according to former Eagles linebacker and current FOX Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho, anyone counting the Chiefs legend out is making a critical mistake.
“I’m not worried about what Travis Kelce did in 2024,” Acho said on a recent episode of Speak. “I’m worried about what he’s going to do in January 2026. Because I’ve seen him dominate when it matters most.”
Kelce, 34, posted just 984 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year — his lowest numbers since 2015 — and showed clear signs of wear and tear over a grueling season that included a high-profile relationship, a global tour, and a Super Bowl loss. But Acho’s comments reignited the debate around Kelce’s value, especially as the Eagles gear up for a potential rematch with the Chiefs this postseason.
Eagles fans are still haunted by Kelce’s game-breaking performances in past matchups, including the 2023 Super Bowl where he torched the defense for a touchdown and nearly 100 yards. Even in decline, his presence draws double coverage and opens up the field for others — a fact not lost on defensive coordinators across the league.
“You don’t sleep on legends. You game-plan for them,” said a defensive assistant with the Eagles, speaking anonymously. “You know what happens when you don’t.”
While critics point to Kelce’s decreasing speed and drop in explosive plays, his postseason legacy remains bulletproof. Over his career, he’s averaged 87 yards per playoff game — a mark higher than Jerry Rice during his 30s.
Acho’s warning, coming from someone intimately familiar with NFC defenses, echoes across the league: underestimate Kelce at your own risk. For the Eagles, who are eyeing another title run, that reminder couldn’t be more timely.
As one fan on X put it: “If Kelce’s washed, I hope the Eagles don’t find out the hard way.”
