Travis Kelce facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Travis Kelce

Kelce in 2024
No. 87 – Kansas City Chiefs
Position:	Tight end
Personal information
Born:	(1989-10-05) 5 October 1989 (age 36) Westlake, Ohio, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:	Cleveland Heights (Cleveland Heights, Ohio)
College:	Cincinnati (2008–2012)
NFL Draft:	2013 / Round: 3 / Pick: 63
Career history
Kansas City Chiefs (2013–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
3× Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII, LVIII) 4× First-team All-Pro (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022) 3× Second-team All-Pro (2017, 2019, 2021) 11× Pro Bowl (2015–2025) NFL 2010s All-Decade Team First-team All-Big East (2012) NFL records Career postseason receptions: 174 Postseason games with 100+ receiving yards: 9 Career postseason games with 1 or more receiving touchdowns: 15 Career postseason receiving touchdowns by a tight end: 20 Career postseason receiving yards by a tight end: 2,039 Receiving yards in a season by a tight end: 1,416 Seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards by a tight end: 7 Consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons by a tight end: 7 Career receiving yards per game by a tight end (minimum 200 career receptions): 69.4 Games with 100+ yards receiving by a tight end: 38
Career NFL statistics as of 2025
Receptions: 1,080 Receiving yards: 13,002 Receiving touchdowns: 82 Total touchdowns: 85
Player stats at PFR

Travis Michael Kelce (born October 5, 1989) is an American professional football player. He plays as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). The Chiefs chose him in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. He has helped his team win three Super Bowl championships: LIV, LVII, and LVIII. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats. Many people consider him one of the best tight ends in NFL history.

Kelce has been selected for the Pro Bowl eleven times. He has also been named an All-Pro seven times. This includes four times on the first-team and three times on the second-team. He holds NFL records for tight ends. These include the most consecutive seasons (seven) and most overall seasons (seven) with over 1,000 receiving yards. In 2020, he set the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,416 yards. He achieved this even though he played in only 15 games that year.

During the 2022 season, Kelce became the fifth NFL tight end to reach 10,000 career receiving yards. He reached this milestone faster than any other tight end in NFL history. He was also named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. In the 2023 season, he passed Jerry Rice in career playoff receptions. This happened on his way to winning Super Bowl LVIII, his fourth Super Bowl appearance in five seasons.

Outside of football, Kelce has appeared in advertisements and on TV shows. He hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live in 2023. He also co-hosts a popular podcast called New Heights with his brother Jason. They talk about football and other popular topics. The show was ranked as one of the most popular podcasts in the United States. Kelce's relationship and engagement to singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has received a lot of media attention. It also helped increase viewership and revenue for his team and the NFL.

Early Life and High School Football

Travis Michael Kelce was born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio. His father, Ed Kelce, worked in the steel industry. His mother, Donna, was a bank executive. Travis has an older brother, Jason Kelce, who played center for the Philadelphia Eagles for 13 seasons. The brothers have Croatian family roots through their mother.

Kelce went to Cleveland Heights High School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He was a quarterback for three years. In his senior year (2007), he ran for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also threw for 1,523 yards and 21 touchdowns. His great performance earned him All-Lake Erie League honors.

College Football Journey

Kelce received a scholarship offer from the University of Cincinnati. He chose it over other schools. He joined his brother, Jason, who was already playing for the Bearcats. After taking a redshirt year in 2008, he played in 11 games in 2009. He played both tight end and quarterback.

He faced a team rule violation in 2010 and was suspended for the season. He returned in 2011 as a tight end. He caught 13 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. In 2012, his final college season, he had his best year. He made 45 receptions for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. Kelce earned first-team all-conference honors. In March 2013, he was named the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year. He earned his college degree in 2022.

Professional NFL Career

Joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Kelce in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. He was the 63rd player chosen overall. The Chiefs' new head coach, Andy Reid, knew Kelce's brother, Jason. Reid believed Travis had great talent. On June 6, 2013, Kelce signed a four-year contract with the Chiefs.

Kelce had a knee injury during the preseason. He played only one snap in Week 2. He was then placed on injured reserve in October 2013 after knee surgery. This meant he missed most of his first season.

First Touchdown and 100-Yard Game in 2014

Kelce playing in 2014

In Week 3 of the 2014 season, Kelce scored his first NFL touchdown. It was a 20-yard catch from quarterback Alex Smith. Later that season, he was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct during a game. In a game against the Arizona Cardinals, Kelce had seven catches for 110 yards. This was his first game with over 100 receiving yards. He finished the 2014 season as the Chiefs' top receiver with 862 yards.

First Pro Bowl Selection in 2015

Kelce started the 2015 season strong. He had six catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans. He played in all 16 regular season games. He recorded 72 catches for 875 yards and five touchdowns. His excellent performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. The Chiefs made it to the playoffs that year. In his first playoff game, Kelce had eight catches for 128 yards.

Setting Records and All-Pro Honors in 2016

On January 29, 2016, Kelce signed a five-year contract extension. During Week 8, he had seven catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. In another game, he was removed from the field after arguing with officials. He was later fined for his actions. In Week 13, he had eight catches for 140 yards. He then had four straight games with over 100 receiving yards. This made him one of only three tight ends in NFL history to do so.

He finished the 2016 season with career highs of 1,125 yards and 85 catches. His receiving yards led all tight ends in the league. He was named a starter in his second Pro Bowl. He also earned First-team All-Pro honors. The Chiefs won their division and earned a playoff bye.

Continued Success in 2017

Kelce at training camp in 2017

In Week 2 of 2017, Kelce had eight catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. He continued to have strong performances, including seven catches for 133 yards in Week 8. By December 2017, he was named to his third straight Pro Bowl. He ended the season with a career-high eight receiving touchdowns. He was second among tight ends with 1,038 receiving yards. The Chiefs made the playoffs again. Kelce had four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in their playoff game. However, he left the game early due to a concussion.

Partnering with Patrick Mahomes in 2018

In 2018, Kelce's performance greatly improved with new quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes was named NFL MVP that season. Kelce had seven catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. He reached 100 receiving yards in two of the next three games. In Week 13, Kelce had a career-best 12 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

He broke the NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season. However, another tight end, George Kittle, broke that record just an hour later. Kelce finished the season with 103 catches, 1,336 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro honors. The Chiefs won their division. Kelce had seven catches for 108 yards in their playoff win against the Colts.

First Super Bowl Victory in 2019

In Week 2 of 2019, Kelce caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. By the middle of the season, he led all tight ends in receiving yards with 604. In Week 14, he rushed for a one-yard touchdown. In the next game, he had 11 catches for 142 yards. He became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 500 career receptions.

Kelce finished the 2019 season with 97 catches for 1,229 yards and five receiving touchdowns. He also had one rushing touchdown. He became the first tight end in NFL history to have four straight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl.

In the playoffs, the Chiefs faced a 24–0 deficit against the Texans. Kelce helped lead a huge comeback, catching 10 passes for 134 yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs won 51–31. They then won the AFC Championship Game. In Super Bowl LIV, Kelce caught six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs won 31–20, giving Kelce his first Super Bowl ring.

Record-Breaking 2020 Season

Kelce in 2021

In 2020, Kelce signed a four-year contract extension. In Week 8, he scored a touchdown and playfully dunked the ball over the goal posts. He was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and fined. In Week 9, he had ten catches for 159 yards.

In Week 11, he scored the game-winning touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. In Week 16, Kelce became the first tight end with two seasons of 100 or more catches. He also set the single-season receiving yardage record for a tight end with 1,416 yards. This topped George Kittle's record from 2018. He was named to his sixth Pro Bowl and earned First-team All-Pro honors.

In the playoffs, Kelce had eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Browns. In the AFC Championship, he recorded 13 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. This led the Chiefs to Super Bowl LV. In the Super Bowl, he caught 10 passes for 133 yards, a record for a tight end in the championship game. However, the Chiefs lost 31–9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Longest-Tenured Chief and More Records in 2021

Kelce playing against the Washington Football Team in 2021

After some teammates left, Kelce became the longest-tenured member of the Chiefs in 2021. In Week 2, he became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 8,000 career yards. In Week 15, he set a career high with 191 receiving yards and two touchdowns. This included the game-winning touchdown in overtime. This game also marked his sixth straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards, an NFL record for tight ends.

He missed Week 16 due to illness, his first missed game since his rookie season. In the final game of the season, he became the fastest tight end to reach 9,000 career yards. He finished the season with 92 catches for 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named Second-Team All-Pro and to his seventh straight Pro Bowl.

In the playoffs, Kelce had five catches for 108 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. He also threw a two-yard touchdown pass. In a thrilling playoff game against the Bills, he had eight catches for 96 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime. In the AFC Championship, he had 10 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, but the Chiefs lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Second Super Bowl Win in 2022

Kelce (left) with President Joe Biden in 2023

In Week 5 of 2022, Kelce scored four receiving touchdowns against the Raiders. This tied a Chiefs franchise record. In Week 11, he broke the NFL record for tight ends with his 33rd game of 100 or more receiving yards. He also scored three touchdowns, including another game-winner against the Chargers. In Week 14, he became the fifth tight end in NFL history to reach 10,000 receiving yards. He also extended his record to seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He finished the 2022 season with 110 catches for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns.

In the playoffs, Kelce set an NFL postseason record for a tight end with 14 catches against the Jaguars. He scored two touchdowns in that game. Kelce and the Chiefs played in Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles. His brother Jason played for the Eagles, making it the first Super Bowl with two brothers on opposing teams. Kelce caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs won 38–35, earning Kelce his second Super Bowl.

Third Super Bowl Victory in 2023

Kelce (center) before a 2023 game against the Denver Broncos

Kelce missed the first game of the 2023 season due to a knee injury. This was his first injury-related absence since his rookie year. He returned the following week. In Week 7, he tied a career high with 12 catches and had 179 receiving yards. In Week 9, he broke the Chiefs' franchise record for career receiving yards. Kelce finished the regular season with 984 receiving yards, ending his NFL-record streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

In the playoffs, Kelce had two receiving touchdowns against the Bills. He and Patrick Mahomes broke the record for most career touchdowns by a quarterback/receiver duo in the playoffs. In the AFC Championship Game against the Ravens, Kelce caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. He surpassed Jerry Rice for most playoff receptions and tied Rice for most 100+ receiving yard games. This win led to Kelce's fourth Super Bowl appearance in five seasons.

During Super Bowl LVIII, Kelce had nine catches for 93 yards. The Chiefs won 25–22 in overtime, giving Kelce his third Super Bowl ring. The Chiefs became the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since 2004. During the game, Kelce had an intense moment with his coach, Andy Reid, for which he later apologized on his podcast.

2024 Season and More Records

On April 29, 2024, Kelce signed a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs. This made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. He started the 2024 season slowly. In Week 4, he recorded seven catches for 89 yards. During this game, Kelce became the Chiefs' all-time leader in career receptions, passing Tony Gonzalez. On December 8, he reached 12,000 career receiving yards, becoming the fastest tight end in NFL history to do so. On Christmas Day, Kelce achieved his 1,000th career reception. He also became the Chiefs' leader in receiving touchdowns, surpassing Tony Gonzalez. Kelce finished the 2024 season with 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns.

In the playoffs, Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown against the Texans. In the AFC Championship, he had two catches for 19 yards. He received a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct in that game. In Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce had four catches for 39 yards. He set a new NFL record for most career Super Bowl receptions with 35, passing Jerry Rice. However, the Chiefs lost 40–22, ending their chance for a third straight championship. After Super Bowl LIX, Kelce said he would take time to decide about his future in football.

2025 Season and Franchise Records

On February 27, 2025, Kelce announced he would play in the 2025 NFL season. This was his final year under his contract with Kansas City. On October 25, 2025, in a game against the Denver Broncos, Kelce broke the Chiefs' franchise record for total touchdowns with his 84th. He had nine catches for 91 yards in that game. He finished the 2025 season with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns.

2026 Season Contract

On March 9, 2026, Kelce agreed to a one-year contract with the Chiefs. It was worth $12 million, with a possible maximum of $15 million. Other teams wanted to sign him. However, he preferred to return to the Chiefs. This was partly because the team re-hired Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. The contract was later changed and extended to three years, worth $54.7 million.

Career Statistics

NFL

Regular season

Postseason

College

Career Highlights and Awards

Awards and Honors

NFL

• 3× Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
• 4× First-team All-Pro (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022)
• 3× Second-team All-Pro (2017, 2019, 2021)
• 11× Pro Bowl (2015–2025)
• Pro Bowl Offensive MVP (2016)
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

NCAA

• First-team All-Big East (2012)

Non-football awards

• People's Choice Awards – Athlete of the Year (2024)
• Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards – Favorite Male Sports Star (2024)
• IHeartRadio Music Awards – Favorite Surprise Guest w/ Taylor Swift (2025)

Records Set by Travis Kelce

NFL Records (Any Position)

• Career postseason receptions: 178
• Career postseason 100-yard games: 9
• Career Super Bowl receptions: 35

NFL Records (Among Tight Ends)

• Consecutive 1,000-plus-yard seasons (7, 2016–2022)
• 1,000-yard seasons (7, 2016–2022)
• Receiving yards in a season (1,416, 2020)
• Career postseason receiving yards (2,078)
• 100+ reception seasons (3)
• Fewest games to 10,000 career receiving yards (140)
• 100 receiving yard games (38)
• Career postseason receiving touchdowns: 20
• Career postseason games started: 25

Chiefs Franchise Records (Any Position)

• 100-plus-yard receiving games (38)
• Receiving touchdowns in a game (tied, 4)
• Career receiving yards (13,002)
• Career receptions (1,080)
• Career touchdown receptions (82)
• Career total touchdowns (85)

Other Ventures and Interests

Helping the Community (Philanthropy)

Kelce at a celebrity softball game to benefit the Lake Health Foundation

Travis Kelce is known for being very generous. He has received awards for his charity work. In 2014, he received the Chiefs' Ed Block Courage Award. In 2020, the Chiefs nominated him for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Fans also voted him the winner of the NFL's Charity Challenge Award that year.

In 2015, Kelce started his foundation called Eighty-Seven & Running. Its goal is to help young people in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. The foundation holds events in Kansas City to raise money. These events support various causes in both cities. Some of its activities include:

• 2018: Opened a Robotics Lab with Operation Breakthrough. This lab helps nearly 300 students learn about STEM careers.
• 2020: Donated $500,000 to create a workspace for disadvantaged children. This "Ignition Lab" helps them explore STEM careers.
• 2020: Gave $140,000 to help Operation Breakthrough and Heights Schools Foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2021: Started "Catching for a Cause." This program donates money for every catch and touchdown Kelce makes.
• 2022: Created a Health and Wellness fund for the University of Cincinnati. It supports sports psychology and counseling for 450 athletes.
• 2024: Donated 25,000 breakfast meals to students from Operation Breakthrough.
• 2024: Helped an elderly former athlete by paying for home repairs in Kansas City.

Kelce supports many non-profit groups. These include Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Read Across America Day. He has also donated signed items to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He often visits hospitals and schools in Kansas City to support local charities. In 2019, he hosted an event to raise money for the "Rose Brooks Center." This center helps women, children, and pets affected by domestic violence. He and his brother Jason have also donated to the Heights Schools Foundation. In 2024, he donated $100,000 to the families of children injured in the 2024 Kansas City parade shooting. Kelce also helps with the Big Slick charity event. This event raises money for the Cancer Center at Children's Mercy Hospital.

Supporting Important Causes (Activism)

Kelce has spoken out for social justice. In 2017, he was one of the most well-known white NFL players to kneel during the national anthem. This was a peaceful protest to support social justice and equality in America. He has also shown support for the Black Lives Matter movement. In 2019, Kelce joined students in online discussions about a documentary called Black Boys. This film explores the effects of racism on Black men.

Kelce has also supported the LGBT community. In 2021, he called for more acceptance and inclusivity in sports. He said that anyone in the world should be able to play.

Fun in Entertainment

In January 2016, Kelce starred in a TV dating show called Catching Kelce. In 2020, he appeared as a fictional version of himself in the comedy series Moonbase 8. Kelce was also featured in Kelce, a documentary about his brother Jason's football career. It became the most-watched movie on Amazon Prime among U.S. subscribers within 24 hours of its release in September 2023.

In May 2023, he signed with Creative Artists Agency for his work outside of football. Kelce hosted Saturday Night Live on March 4, 2023. He also made a guest appearance on the show in October 2023. In 2024, it was announced that Kelce would host a new game show called Are You Smarter than a Celebrity? on Amazon Prime Video.

In 2023, Kelce became an executive producer for the film My Dead Friend Zoe (2024). He also produced the documentary King Pleasure about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Kelce was cast in his first major acting role in Ryan Murphy's FX horror series Grotesquerie.

Kelce became known for singing the chorus of the Beastie Boys' song "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" during Chiefs celebrations. The Chiefs later made this song their touchdown song at Arrowhead Stadium. In 2023, Kelce performed the song with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show.

Kelce and his brother Jason were featured on the cover of a Christmas song, "Fairytale of Philadelphia," in 2023. Proceeds from the album benefited charities. The song topped the US iTunes chart. It also reached number one on the Billboard Digital Song Sales and Rock Digital Song Sales charts. He contributed vocals to another Christmas song in 2024.

In April 2023, Kelce started his own annual music festival called Kelce Jam. The first festival in Kansas sold 10,000 tickets in 20 minutes. It had 18,000 people attend. The second festival in 2024 had 20,000 fans.

The New Heights Podcast

In September 2022, Kelce and his brother Jason started a weekly sports podcast called New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce. The name comes from their hometown, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. On the podcast, the brothers talk about NFL news, rumors, and sports headlines. They also discuss their own games. New Heights features special guests like NFL players, celebrities, and family members. The podcast is filmed and broadcast live on YouTube. It is also available in video and audio forms.

Within weeks of its launch, the podcast became very popular. It was the most-listened-to sports podcast on Spotify. In February 2023, its popularity grew even more when Travis and Jason played against each other in Super Bowl LVII. It reached number one on Apple sports podcasts and number two among all podcasts on Apple. The podcast is often mentioned on Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football. In 2022, Sports Illustrated named it the Sports Podcast of the Year. In March 2025, New Heights won the Best Sports Podcast award at the IHeartRadio podcast awards.

Business Ventures

Kelce has appeared in many advertisements for brands like Dick's Sporting Goods, McDonald's, Nike, and State Farm. In August 2022, Hy-Vee started making "Kelce's Krunch," a breakfast cereal named after him. Part of the money from sales went to his charity foundation. In 2023, Business Insider estimated that Kelce earns $5 million a year from his off-the-field work.

In 2019, Kelce started his own health brand, Hilo Nutrition. It sells gummy supplements for health benefits. In January 2020, Kelce launched his sportswear and lifestyle brand, Tru Kolors. It was the first brand by an NFL player to work with an NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs, on official merchandise in 2022. In August 2025, Kelce launched a design collaboration with American Eagle Outfitters. In 2021, Kelce released a signature sneaker collection with Nike.

Travis Kelce's American Eagle Outfitters campaign in Times Square, New York City.

Kelce is also a co-owner of Club Car Wash, a chain of car washes. In October 2023, Kelce and Walmart launched Travis Kelce's Kitchen. This is a line of seven barbecue products inspired by Kansas City flavors.

In 2019, Kelce invested in the condiment brand Cholula Hot Sauce. He made a good profit when the brand was sold in 2020. Kelce has also invested in other companies. These include the tequila brand Casa Azul and pancake mix company Kodiak Cakes. In 2023, Kelce joined a group of investors, including actor Ryan Reynolds and teammate Mahomes. They bought a share in Alpine, a French Formula One team. In 2024, Kelce and his brother Jason became owners of the light beer company Garage Beer. In 2025, Mahomes and Kelce opened a steakhouse called 1587 Prime in Kansas City. In October 2025, Kelce partnered with an investment firm to help improve the theme park company Six Flags. He became the company's brand ambassador in 2026.

Personal Life

Kelce had past relationships with Maya Benberry (2016-2017) and social media influencer Kayla Nicole Brown (2017-2022).

Kelce began dating singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in 2023. The media often calls them a "supercouple." In June 2024, Kelce joined Swift on stage at her Wembley Stadium concert during her performance. In August 2025, Swift announced details of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on the New Heights podcast. The couple became engaged later that month. Their engagement announcement was one of Instagram's most-liked posts.

Their widely publicized relationship and Swift's attendance at games greatly increased interest in the Chiefs and the NFL during the 2023 NFL season. This led to new records for viewership, ticket sales, and merchandise sales. For example, a Chiefs–New York Jets game averaged 27 million viewers. This made it the most-watched Sunday-night television show since Super Bowl LVII. A Chiefs–Buffalo Bills game in January 2024 became the most-watched NFL divisional playoff game ever. The Chiefs–Baltimore Ravens AFC Championship Game was the most watched AFC Championship game of all time. One estimate said the Kelce–Swift relationship added $331.4 million in value to the Chiefs franchise in just six months.

Kelce enjoys playing golf during the offseason. He has participated in several celebrity tournaments. In 2023, he won the long drive contest at the American Century Championship. He also teamed up with Patrick Mahomes in The Match VIII against NBA players. Mahomes and Kelce won. Kelce owns homes in the Kansas City area and a condo in Baldwin Park, Florida. He also collects cars.

Filmography

Film

Television

See also

In Spanish: Travis Kelce para niños