A kinship forms if two athletes played on the same side of the ball, whether as teammates or opponents. That bond strengthens through competition and in the smallish circle of players. As a result, when one fraternity member makes a public statement, chances remain high that he will receive support from all corners.
When Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce opened up about a deeply personal struggle, it resonated across the NFL community. Former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman quickly weighed in, highlighting how the bonds between players can transcend teams and generations.
Super Bowl Champion Julian Edelman Offers Support to Kansas City’s Travis Kelce During Personal Moment
Despite a life that evolved from being primarily known for his gridiron exploits to being Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, Kelce kept a sense of balance. Granted, the cameras circle with ferocity now, capturing every moment. Additionally, the popularity of his “The Heights” podcast raised the tight end’s visibility.
However, that cannot conceal something that affects him daily. In a recent episode of the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, the ten-time Pro Bowler discussed the most challenging part of hosting “Saturday Night Live.” PFSN writer Zahid Rashid detailed the exchange here.
“The table reading, for a guy that can’t really read that well, it was kind of a f***ed situation,” Kelce shared. “I felt like I was just trying to get through the reading instead of acting it out, and giving it a voice, and giving it a character, and things like that. I was just focused on, ‘Don’t f***ing skip this line, you know what I mean.”
Former New England Patriots wideout Julian Edelman tweeted his support.
Same @tkelce https://t.co/Ud8Dz51EML
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) July 2, 2025
You cannot take that admission lightly for two players with a combined six Super Bowl rings and significant moments in the postseason. However, what you cannot do is belittle the admission.
Admitting reading issues requires a stunning amount of self-awareness, introspection and vulnerability. Plus, memorizing lines to host a live show in front of millions of people would be nerve-wracking for anyone not continuously immersed in the process.
Honestly, Kelce and Edelman’s trouble with reading is not unique. Defensive end Dexter Manley should ring a bell for those of a certain age. For 11 seasons, the defensive lineman played for the then-Washington Redskins, the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning two Super Bowls and earning an All-Pro nod while tallying 103.5 sacks.
Despite his success on the field, Manley struggled with illiteracy throughout his academic and professional career. He graduated from high school and remained eligible at Oklahoma State without being able to read, a reality he kept hidden for years. It wasn’t until age thirty, after already achieving NFL stardom and two Super Bowl titles, that Manley finally learned to read.
Manley provides precedent for players like Kelce and Edelman. Their stories should also inspire the next generation. Kelce will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NFL history. No one will care about his difficulties, nor should they judge him because of them.
Their perseverance reminds fans that overcoming personal challenges can be just as impactful as achievements on the field. Stories like these show that greatness is defined by resilience as much as talent.