The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't very good in 2024, so nobody really batted an eye when they got just one primetime game next season despite the presence of Trevor Lawrence and Travis Hunter. The one they got, though, will now be must-watch TV after the comments tight end Travis Kelce made.
Kelce was discussing the fact that the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing the opener in Brazil and somehow managed to bring up the Jaguars to the conversation.
"This isn't out until Wednesday," Kelce told his brother Jason, via TMZ. "Yeah, we're definitely playing in Brazil."
"I'll be there, not to do a podcast. I'll be playing football in the [expletive] heat... there's just something about getting close to the equator. I don't want to put on a football uniform and do that. I've been in Jacksonville in September, and that's [expletive] miserable," Kelce said.
Temperatures in Jacksonville in September are around 85 degrees. That's not necessarily hot; the issue is the humidity, which is what Kelce is ranting about. Because of it, the weather is not tolerable, especially for those who aren't used to it, or are accustomed to colder weather (him).
Back in 2023, the Jags welcomed Kansas City at EverBank Stadium in Week 2, and Kelce might not have liked the weather based on his comments. Then again, it's worth noting that the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers in the Sao Paulo season opener in 2024 was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so you could make the case that Kelce is just throwing a tantrum.
Travis Kelce's remarks add fuel to the Jaguars vs. Chiefs Monday Night game in Week 5
The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost their last two games to the Kansas City Chiefs, back in the divisional round of the playoffs in 2022 and Week 2 of the following season. They'll get a shot at revenge when they face them on Monday Night Football in Week 5. It will mark the end of an early-season gauntlet the Jags have to deal with.
There's no doubt that the Travis Kelce comments will serve as bulletin board material for the bout. The fact that the game will be held at the bank should also give Jacksonville a slight advantage. That said, the Chiefs remain a Super Bowl-bound team. Sure, they were pummeled by the Philadelphia Eagles, but they'll remain one of the top teams in the NFL as long as they have Patrick Mahomes.
The good news is that the Jaguars added reinforcements to the defense to contain Mahomes. They added Emmanuel Ogbah to a pass rush that includes Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. The trio should be able to bring the heat throughout the game.
The front office also signed cornerback Jourdan Lewis in free agency, and rookie Caleb Ransaw could be the X-Factor. But the team's biggest acquisition on defense was without a doubt two-way star Travis Hunter, who could potentially tip the scale in Jacksonville's favor.
Speaking of Hunter, he'll also join a wide receiver corps that includes superstar Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown. Trevor Lawrence will have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with Mahomes.
It will arguably be the toughest matchup in the Jaguars' early-season slate, but beating the Chiefs would send a strong message to the league.
Here are other Jaguars stories you may also like: