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Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has addressed reports that he "revolutionized" the fade haircut.
On Tuesday (February 6), Kelce fielded questions from the media ahead of Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday (February 11), when the Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers.
Kelce responded to a reporter's question about a recent New York Times article that explored how men across the county are seeking the "Travis Kelce Cut" amid his skyrocketing popularity. The article went viral as it failed to mention how the "Travis Kelce Cut" is simply a basic fade that's been administered and worn by Black barbers and men for decades.
The tight end called reports suggesting that he invented the fade "ridiculous."
“That’s absolutely ridiculous,” Kelce told Vegas Sports Today. “And to do it on February 1st and throw me to the wolves like that, that’s messed up, man. I don’t want anything to do with that, man. I got a good fade, though, if you need it. I get a No. 2 on top with a high to mid fade with a taper in the back. But I didn’t invent that. I just asked for it.”
Former NFL players Shannon Sharpe and Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson previously brought the article to light on their "Night Cap" podcast.
“So, New York Times, so that’s how you start Black History? Giving Trav — and that’s my nephew — you gonna give him credit for the fade? We’ve been seeing the fade for years!" Sharpe said.
Many social media users called out the reporting for whitewashing Black history.
"Yet another example of why newsrooms need to do better at hiring and promoting black journalists," one user tweeted. "Any black barber will tell you Travis Kelce’s haircut is not breaking news…. it’s…….. A fade."
"First white people called swag surfing 'the chiefs victory dance' now they’re calling a fade 'the Travis kelce haircut'…." another user pointed out.
"Gentrifying a “Fade” to the “Travis Kelce haircut” is NOT happening during black history month in the year 2024. WTF is happening here?!?" a third said.
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