For over a decade, Travis Kelce has redefined the meaning of the word consistency at the tight end position in the NFL. A dominant pass-catcher, an elite route-runner, and a showman who thrives in the biggest moments, Kelce has gone from clutch playoff performances to rewriting the record books. Kelce has cemented himself as one of the greatest ever to play the game.
But before he became Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted weapon and arguably the greatest tight end of all time, Kelce was just another prospect hoping for a shot in the NFL. His journey to stardom wasn’t always smooth, and just like Mahomes, his draft position is a reminder of how easily history could have gone in a different direction.
Travis Kelce’s Promising College Career Starts Off Rocky
Kelce played college football at the University of Cincinnati, but his path to the pros was a bit bumpy. Initially recruited as a quarterback, he redshirted his freshman season in 2008 before switching to tight end. His early years were overshadowed by off-the-field struggles, including a season-long suspension in 2010 for violating team rules.
After he returned from his suspension, Kelce slowly started to develop into a dynamic offensive weapon. His breakout came in his senior season in 2012, when he caught 45 passes for 722 yards and eight touchdowns, proving he had the speed and athleticism to be more than just a traditional in-line tight end.
Despite a strong finish to his college career, he wasn’t viewed as an elite prospect heading into the 2013 NFL Draft, and his previous behavioral issues may have also been a red flag to some scouts.
Chiefs Take Third-Round Gamble on Kelce
The 2013 NFL Draft didn’t have much hype around superstar offensive players, but it turned out to be a defining moment for Kansas City. That year, the Chiefs had the No. 1 overall pick, selecting offensive tackle Eric Fisher. While Fisher became a solid player, the real gem of their draft class came two rounds later.
In the third round, with the 63rd overall pick, Kansas City took a chance on Kelce. At the time, it wasn’t a flashy move, just a team taking a chance on an unproven tight end in hopes he could develop into a reliable player. The Chiefs were banking on his athleticism and potential, but even they couldn’t have imagined the future Hall of Fame career that was about to unfold.
After being drafted, Kelce’s career didn’t take off right away. He missed nearly his entire rookie season due to injury, a frustrating setback that left some wondering if he’d ever reach his full potential. But once he got healthy, everything changed.
Since 2014, Kelce has consistently been one of the NFL’s top tight ends. He holds multiple records, including the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes has helped fuel one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties, and his performances in the postseason have solidified his status as one of the most clutch players in NFL history.