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“Lot of Ups and Downs”: Travis Kelce Recounts Chiefs “Helmet Throw” on 2023 Christmas Day Before Super Bowl LVIII Photofinish

Published 02/11/2024, 3:39 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Travis Kelce and Co. will take on the Niners in a few hours. The last time they faced off against each other was during Super Bowl LIV. But obviously, things are different this time. That season they had gone 12-4, and this time they were 11-6. In that season, their offense had carried them; however, this time, the defense worked wonders for them.

To talk about the Chiefs vs. Niners game tonight, Travis Kelce was not at his best this season. There have been instances that even Kelce wouldn’t be proud of. Talking along the same lines, particularly highlighting the Christmas incident where he threw the helmet, Kelce mentioned how the team channeled the energy and worked towards where they are today as the team prepares for the Super Bowl LVIII.

Travis Kelce looks back at his 2023 campaign

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The conversation took place with Tracy Wolfson, and the two took a walk down memory lane. In the clips from the full interview, there was one moving moment when the two time-traveled to Christmas Day when Kelce threw his helmet. That game was a brutal one for the Chiefs. Recalling the season and that game in particular, Travis Kelce said, “It’s been a fun rollercoaster. Lot of ups and downs in terms of this season.”

The Chiefs were doing great from the start. But then, mid-season, they began faltering. The Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce partnership wasn’t able to bring their A-game to the gridiron. As Wolfson described it herself, the low point came on Christmas Day when the Chiefs lost to their divisional rivals, the Raiders, 14-20. And the frustration was evidently palpable.

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But why did Kelce throw his helmet?

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The exact reason for his outburst is not explicitly stated. CBS announcer Jim Nantz reported that the incident occurred after the Raiders scored in the first half of the game. Specifically, Travis Kelce’s frustration seemed to escalate when the Chiefs attempted a fake punt on fourth and 5. It resulted in a failed drive and a missed field goal. And that allowed the Raiders to maintain a 17-7 lead going into halftime.

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Travis Kelce addressed the incident on his podcast, “New Heights”. He wasn’t one to shy away from accountability. He was not playing his best football. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure as a team leader and acknowledged the need to regain momentum. Reid had intervened between Travis Kelce and his helmet during the incident. And both Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes offered support and consolation to the star player.

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Written by:

Jakso James

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Jakso James is an NFL Writer at EssentiallySports. Jakso’s analysis takes a reader around the league with a look at the player strategies and stats. An ardent football lover himself, he developed a strong connection with the Denver Broncos as he witnessed Russell Wilson break the barriers.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta