In a tweet account shortly after the incident, former Kansas City Chiefs tackle Mitchell Schwartz offered a possible explanation for tight end Travis Kelce’s outburst at practice on Saturday.
I think Travis has had enough with defenders trying to punch/rip the ball out. We saw him get feisty yesterday with the 4th defender that tried it on one play, and now after he’s fully secured the catch in the end zone. https://t.co/MQdooqMORf
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) July 29, 2023
“I think Travis has had enough with defenders trying to punch/rip the ball out,” Schwartz wrote. “We saw him get feisty yesterday with the 4th defender that tried it on one play, and now after he’s fully secured the catch in the end zone.”
Though Kelce’s response to linebacker Jack Cochrane was unsportsmanlike and disproportionate, fans and coaches should empathize with his frustration after the repeated harassment he has faced in practice.
When a fan replied to Schwartz for further explanation regarding his take on the matter, the former All-Pro tackle did not hold back in his criticism of Cochrane, who forced the issue after the play.
He doesn’t want to get punched in the hands by a backup after the play is over https://t.co/AAjLCgnfsg
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) July 29, 2023
Schwartz shared the field with Kelce from 2016 until his retirement following the 2020 season. He knows the decorated tight end better than most and has Kelce’s back whether he is still a member of the Chiefs’ roster or not.