Travis Kelce Denounces New York Times Article Crediting Him With Popularizing the ‘Fade’ Haircut: “I Didn’t Invent That. I Just Asked For It” [Video]

Travis Kelce is not pleased with the New York Times crediting him for inventing his famous haircut. 

The Kansas City Chiefs star sat down for a Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night press conference, where he addressed the controversial write-up. Kelce was especially not cool with the article being put out at the start of Black History Month. 

“It’s absolutely ridiculous. And to do it on February 1st to throw me into the wolves like that, that was messed up, man. I don’t want anything to do with that one, man,” he told reporters. 

The controversial piece crowned the look “the Travis Kelce” haircut. However, many pointed out on social media that Kelce’s signature fade has been a staple amongst Black and Latino men for decades. 

Let me add: My issue isn’t with Travis Kelce because he didn’t write this story nor has he ever claimed to invent this particular haircut. My issue is with the NYT for giving zero cultural context and failing to explain that fades have been popular for a very long time and it has… https://t.co/Bp6ihKtvOL

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) February 3, 2024

Of all the things to erase Black people from…of ALL of the things….

This is one of THE most egregious. When my friend told me about this, I *gasped*.

The "Travis Kelce."

It makes me want to fight. https://t.co/8h3xg5KXzy

— fooler initiative (@metroadlib) February 6, 2024

The Fade vs The Travis Kelce hairdo pic.twitter.com/OGyCvx323c

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) February 3, 2024

Me showing white ppl pictures of my haircut from 5th grade through high school that are now calling a fade a “Travis Kelce haircut” pic.twitter.com/RwEp4A5EIq

— Dad (@BxtchImWoo) February 5, 2024

While Kelce refused to take credit for the barbershop staple, he did advise other men on how to achieve the look. 

“I got a good fade if you need it though. It’s 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,” he added. 

Kelce has been in the news for a flurry of matters aside from football since he began dating singer Taylor Swift. His looks, from his beard to his clothing, have become a more profound online topic. Nevertheless, Kelce is unbothered by this as he prepares to help his team secure a Super Bowl win against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday.

Travis Kelce confirms he did not invent the taper fade.

🎥: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today#SuperBowlLVIII pic.twitter.com/7YctXphYez

— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) February 6, 2024