The New York Times came under fire last week after publishing an article suggesting that barbers are being inundated with requests for “the Travis Kelce ,” arguing that “not since Jennifer Aniston has a haircut become so popular.” While Kelce’s popularity is undeniable and he could be influencing some men’s grooming habits, the hairstyle sported by 34-year-old Chiefs tight end has been around for decades, largely in the Black community. And to make matters worse, the unfortunate timing of the piece also coincided with the start of Black History Month.
But the last person who wanted to be dragged into the discourse was Kelce himself, who shut down the insinuation that he is somehow responsible for the fade during a pre-Super Bowl press conference on Monday night.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous. And to do it on February 1, to throw me to the wolves like that? That was messed up, man,” Kelce said, incredulously. “I don’t want anything to do with that one. I got a good fade if you need one, though. It’s a two on top, a nice high to mid-fade with a taper in the back, but I didn’t invent that, I just asked for it.”