Travis Kelce has made it clear: the Chiefs can’t afford to get comfortable. His three-word message to Patrick Mahomes and the team is simple: “Don’t get complacent.” With the rematch against the Raiders approaching, Kelce’s words are a reminder of the painful Christmas Day loss last year—a game that left Raiders fans celebrating and Chiefs fans wishing for a redo.
On the New Heights podcast, Kelce didn’t sugarcoat the defeat. “The last time we faced the Raiders, they came out and smacked us. We weren’t ready for it,” he admitted. The Raiders came in fired up, while the Chiefs were off their game. That loss stung, especially in a rivalry that has usually seen Kansas City on top. Since then, Raiders fans haven’t let anyone forget it.
Now, with another matchup looming, Kelce is determined to avoid a repeat. “We’ve got to make sure we don’t get complacent this week,” he emphasized, pointing out how critical it is for Kansas City to stay locked in. The Raiders are always a tough, high-energy team, and Kelce knows the Chiefs need to be prepared for a fight. “That team’s a fiery team, and they play their tails off every single time,” he said.
This game is bigger than just a regular-season showdown. For the Chiefs, it’s about redemption. They want to show that last year’s loss was just a bad day at the office. Kelce’s warning highlights the focus and intensity they need to bring to the field. There’s no room for error, and certainly no room for complacency.
As the Chiefs look to right the wrongs of last season, all eyes will be on them. Sunday’s game will test their focus, their drive, and their determination to set the record straight. Kelce’s words will be ringing in their ears as they take the field: stay sharp, stay hungry, and don’t get comfortable. This rematch is about more than revenge—it’s about proving the Chiefs are still the team to beat.