NFL Star Derwin James Names Travis Kelce as Toughest Opponent

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has faced many formidable opponents in his NFL career, but one player stands out as the toughest he’s ever faced: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

James, a standout defensive back, has had the opportunity to go up against Kelce twice a year as a division rival, and he’s developed a deep respect for the future Hall of Famer’s skills on the field.

“Travis Kelce is the best tight end that I go against,” James said. “He’s always fun to compete against him for sure.”

Travis Kelce was named by Derwin James as the toughest opponent he has faced in the NFL

James compared Kelce to a basketball player, praising his ability to create space on the fly and make plays that aren’t part of a traditional route. “He’ll make up stuff… it don’t even make sense,” James said. “It ain’t even routes that he’ll be running. It’s like he’s good at finding the holes and when he do gotta make a play, he can make a play.”

Kelce’s improvisational skills on the field are unmatched, and James has witnessed them firsthand. During last year’s AFC Championship game against the Ravens, Kelce and Patrick Mahomes were able to connect on passes not designed by head coach Andy Reid to get around the toughness of Baltimore’s defense.

The two teams will face off again on September 29 in Los Angeles, and James is looking forward to the challenge. “It’s strength on strength when we play each other,” he said.

While James is considered one of the best defensive backs in the league, he knows that going up against Kelce is always a tough task. But he’s ready for the challenge, and fans can’t wait to see these two NFL stars go head-to-head once again.