Despite the whirlwind of fame surrounding him, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has remained grounded, according to teammate and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Mahomes emphasized that dating pop sensation Taylor Swift and hosting Saturday Night Live hasn’t changed Kelce’s personality or attitude one bit.
“Travis has always been Travis,” Mahomes said during the press conference. “He has all that attention, but he’s just been himself the whole time.
He still walks through the stadium and treats every single person like they’re his best friend, and he’s like that in the locker room every day.”
Kelce, who already had a decorated NFL career with two Super Bowl rings, has seen his fame soar to new heights this year. From his popular Saturday Night Live hosting stint to being featured in a wave of commercials, and now his highly publicized relationship with Taylor Swift, Kelce has become a household name beyond football.
Mahomes shared how proud he was to see his longtime friend thrive in the spotlight, especially on SNL. “It was really cool to watch, I was sad I couldn’t be there, but I had my best friend’s bachelor party that weekend. Travis has been talking about SNL for years. He knows all the skits, even the old ones from before I was born. Hosting Saturday Night Live was a dream of his, and he crushed it.”
Mahomes also believes Kelce’s charisma could lead to more opportunities outside of football once his playing days are over. “Hopefully, down the line, he’ll do more of that type of stuff after he’s done playing. He’s just got that kind of talent,” Mahomes added.
Kelce’s rise in fame has been particularly notable since winning his second Super Bowl in February 2024. His off-field persona has captured the attention of fans across the country, solidifying him as one of the most popular figures in sports and entertainment. Yet, Mahomes reiterated that despite all the attention, Kelce hasn’t let the limelight affect his humble approach.
Up next for the Chiefs is a critical matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Mahomes and Kelce are hoping to continue their winning ways, and if they secure a victory, Kelce’s star may shine even brighter as they set their sights on yet another Super Bowl run.
Mahomes’ respect for his tight end and friend was clear throughout the press conference, as he described their relationship as one built on trust, both on and off the field. “He’s just been Travis through it all, and that’s why he’s so special,” Mahomes concluded.
