While Patrick Mahomes garners much-deserved praise for the Kansas City Chiefs back-to-back Super Bowl wins, it’s essential to acknowledge the indispensable role played by Travis Kelce. Kelce’s contributions on the field complement Mahomes’ prowess, evident in the Chiefs’ season opener when his absence contributed to their loss against the Detroit Lions.
Before embarking on his NFL career as a third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the tight end had a less-than-stellar college career, which occasionally came to light during his appearances on various shows or interviews.
Travis Kelce college team: All the details that you need
Travis Kelce’s football journey began at the University of Cincinnati, where he spent five seasons honing his skills, with only one as a starter. During his college years, Kelce showcased versatility, playing both as a tight end and occasionally as a quarterback.
After redshirting in 2008, the tight end emerged in 11 games, demonstrating his skills at both tight end and quarterback. Notably, he shared the field with his brother Philadelphia Eagles’ center Jason Kelce, during the 2009 season.
However, a setback loomed for Travis Kelce in the following season due to a violation of team rules. Kelce once reminisced about his initial struggles in the form of a suspension due to failing a drug test. In a candid revelation on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast in 2023, he acknowledged his past memories that once haunted him as a nightmare.
“I got kicked out of college because of it. I partied a little too much down there, got hit with a drug test and from that point on, I realized I gotta tighten the f–k up,” he said, per Distractify.
Despite facing adversity, he found unwavering support from his brother Jason Kelce. After he was ousted from the team, Jason intervened on Travis’ behalf, urging the coaches to reconsider their decision. The 34-year-old expressed his gratitude, acknowledging his brother’s pivotal role during an interview.
“That was my brother just being a big brother, looking out for me every step of the way and fighting for the success story.”
Jason’s advocacy proved instrumental in Travis’s redemption, leading to his reinstatement with the Bearcats. Buoyed by his brother’s unwavering support, he not only regained his footing in college but also emerged as a standout player, eventually catching the attention of NFL scouts.
In 2013, two years after Jason’s NFL draft, Travis embarked on his own NFL journey, donning the No. 87 jersey as a tribute to his elder brother. The significance of the number lies in its connection to Jason’s birth year, 1987.
Exploring Travis Kelce’s NCAA career stats
Travis Kelce’s collegiate journey at Cincinnati faced a turning point in 2011 when he returned from suspension. In this pivotal season, Kelce showcased his skills by recording an impressive 150 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns.
His final collegiate season in 2012 proved to be a standout year for Kelce. In this season, he set personal career highs amassing 45 receptions, and 722 receiving yards, held an average of 16.0 yards per reception, and secured eight receiving touchdowns.
These remarkable achievements earned him first-team all-conference honors and the prestigious College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year for 2012.
With their former tight end, Cincinnati’s 2012 season concluded with a commendable 10-3 record. The team was named co-champions of the Big East and sealed their triumph with a 48-34 victory over Duke in the Belk Bowl.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, the three-time Super Bowl winner also demonstrated commitment to his education. In 2022, he completed his remaining credit hours, culminating in the attainment of his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the College of Arts and Sciences.
