Travis Kelce Says He 'Felt Like S–t' After Collision That Knocked Xavier Worthy Out of Chiefs' Season Opener
Chiefs tight end took responsibility for early collision in Kansas City's 27-21 loss in Brazil and expressed hope Worthy returns soon
Travis Kelce said he "felt like s–t" after colliding with receiver Xavier Worthy on the third play of the Kansas City Chiefs' season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, a collision that left Worthy with a dislocated shoulder and forced him out of the game.
Speaking Wednesday on the "New Heights" podcast, the three-time Super Bowl champion and 13-year veteran took responsibility for the incident, saying he was "not ready for that first drive" and that he "ran into one of my guys and offed him out." Kelce said he struggled to play through the rest of the first half after the collision but found some rhythm in the second half as the Chiefs rallied before falling 27-21 in São Paulo.
Worthy was ruled out with a dislocated shoulder after the third-down play three snaps into the game, amplifying Kansas City's early offensive problems. The injury was particularly damaging to the Chiefs because they entered the season already missing receiver Rashee Rice, who is serving a six-game suspension, and rookie Jalen Royals, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
Kelce said he was trying to set up his route at depth for Worthy when the collision happened and that it occurred "pretty quick." "I just gotta be better, man," he said. "There is no excuse [for me] running into my own guys like that." He added he hopes Worthy, 22, will return as soon as possible and said he "owes my guy big time." Kelce also noted that Worthy was in better spirits at halftime than he initially feared.
The game featured another contentious moment when Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Kelce after a run by Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt. Tart was not ejected, a decision that left Chiefs coach Andy Reid questioning the league's enforcement. "I'll work out that with the league," Reid said after the game.
Kelce, 35, said he enjoyed playing in Brazil despite the loss and praised the Chiefs' international fanbase. He acknowledged the team's slow start and stressed the need for better execution up front and accountability in the back end. Kansas City trailed for much of the game before closing the gap in the fourth quarter, but the Chargers held on for the victory.
The Chiefs now face a challenging stretch early in the season while dealing with limited depth at wide receiver. Kelce referenced an upcoming matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, a rematch of the Super Bowl loss that ended Kansas City's bid for a three-peat in February, and said he hopes the team can start faster and finish stronger as the season progresses.
In taking public accountability for the collision, Kelce framed the incident as a leadership issue. He said the play and Worthy's injury were "one of the most frustrating parts" of the opener, and he emphasized the responsibility veterans have to avoid harming teammates. The Chiefs will monitor Worthy's recovery in the coming days as they prepare for their next game.