Travis Kelce’s legacy in focus as Ryan Clark compares Isaiah Likely to him before ESPN exit

ESPN let go Ryan Clark, the 46-year-old analyst, during a commercial break on Monday as part of cost-cutting moves ahead of the 2026 NFL season. **Travis Kelce’s name was the last thing Clark mentioned on NFL Live** before learning his own job was over.

Clark had just praised Isaiah Likely, the 26-year-old tight end, calling him a potential “young Travis Kelce” for the New York Giants’ offense. Clark’s comments came during a segment on Likely’s move from Baltimore to New York this offseason.

What did Ryan Clark say about Travis Kelce?

Clark made the comparison while breaking down Likely’s role under new Giants head coach Mike McCarthy. He pointed to Likely’s ability to stretch defenses downfield and create explosive plays-traits Kelce has dominated with for years.

“Isaiah Likely could be a huge reason why you can be patient,” Clark said on ESPN. “When you think about the way he was paired with Mark Andrews in Baltimore, he was the guy that gave you the explosive play, the one who could stretch you down the seam.”

Clark added that new Giants offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy understands how to use a tight end like Likely-comparing his impact to a young Kelce. The Giants signed Likely in March after he spent three seasons with the Ravens.

Why the Travis Kelce comparison matters now

Kelce, 32, just wrapped his 2025 season with five touchdowns-proving he’s still a top weapon for the Chiefs. But questions about his long-term future persist as he enters his age-33 campaign.

Likely, meanwhile, posted just one touchdown in 2025 after scoring 11 across 2023 and 2024. His move to New York puts him in a prime spot to grow under McCarthy, who has a history of developing tight ends.

Clark’s on-air praise adds fuel to the debate: Is Likely the heir apparent to Kelce’s throne? Or will Kelce defy expectations and keep producing?

What’s next for Isaiah Likely and Travis Kelce?

Likely joins Jaxon Dart, the Giants’ second-year quarterback, in a revamped offense. McCarthy has hinted at using Likely as a hybrid matchup nightmare-both as a blocker and a seam-stretcher.

For Kelce, the focus remains on his 2026 season with Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has already said Kelce will return, but the clock is ticking on his chase for another Super Bowl.

Clark’s firing overshadowed his final segment-but his last words on air tied two tight ends together in a storyline that could define the next chapter of the position.