On Wednesday, the NFL unveiled the top five vote-getters for the 2024 Pro Bowl, and among them was Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce.
However, fans were left scratching their heads, wondering how Kelce made the list alongside standout players like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Tua Tagovailoa, and George Kittle.
The unexpected surge in votes prompted social media speculation, with some fans attributing it to what they call the “Taylor Swift effect.”
Fans took to social media to express their surprise at Kelce’s inclusion, with some dismissing the Pro Bowl as a mere popularity contest.
One fan even jokingly remarked, “So the Swifties are voting now.”
Another said, “Kelce??? Bruh has been a ghost all year.”
The controversy suggests a divide among fans, with some questioning the authenticity of the voting system, arguing
that it no longer reflects individual performance but rather popularity.
If you took part in electing Travis kelce to the pro bowl pic.twitter.com/KC2C3chD7c
— TJ Bush (@TJBush5) January 4, 2024
Despite the Pro Bowl uproar, Kelce’s season with the Chiefs has been notable.
Missing only one game due to a knee injury, he has played a crucial role in the team’s fifth consecutive AFC West title.
However, critics argue that his overall performance has been less stellar compared to previous seasons, leading to the unexpected fan backlash.
The final leaders from fan voting! 🗳️
Full #ProBowlGames roster reveal: Tonight 8pm ET on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/iD8cPJBCuO
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2024
In 15 games this season, Kelce has amassed 93 receptions for 984 yards, needing just 16 more to achieve his eighth consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
While his touchdown receptions are lower than usual, with only five this season, the tight end remains a key figure in the Chiefs’ lineup.
As the Chiefs gear up for Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers, the game holds significance for Kelce.
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that quarterback Patrick Mahomes won’t play, emphasizing the importance of rest ahead of crucial games.
However, Kelce’s situation is different, being just 16 receiving yards away from the 1,000-yard milestone.
Reid’s“We’ll see how it goes” ambiguous response to whether Kelce will play suggests that the decision may come down to the significance of the milestone.
With the potential to secure a record for an NFL tight end with eight consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, Kelce will most likely play a few snaps to secure the milestone.
