Travis Kelce is undoubtedly one of the NFL’s biggest stars. As tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, he has cemented himself as an elite playmaker with highlight-reel touchdowns, record-breaking stats, and Super Bowl victories. However, there is more to Kelce than his impressive on-field accomplishments. Beyond his star status in football lies a multifaceted personality that extends far beyond the realm of the game. Kelce has proven himself to be a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and talents. While his athletic exploits grab headlines, his lesser-known pursuits and passions reveal layers of his persona rarely seen by casual fans. Let’s take a deeper look into some aspects of Kelce’s life that help define the man behind the athlete.

The Pop Culture Buff
Kelce isn’t afraid to show his love for popular culture. As a self-proclaimed cinephile, he has amassed an impressive knowledge of film and frequently references movies in interviews and on social media. Kelce has spoken at length about his appreciation for classics like Goodfellas as well as modern blockbusters from the Marvel universe [1]. His movie fandom extends beyond just watching – Kelce has considered potential career paths in film if he wasn’t playing football, such as becoming a director [2].

Kelce’s pop culture interests don’t stop at movies. He is also a fan of television shows, particularly NBC’s hit sitcom The Office. Kelce is known to quote lines from the show in jest with teammates and has The Office-themed cleats custom-made for games [3]. His reference to the beloved series during a post-game interview in 2020 went viral among fans [4]. Kelce has even invited former Office star Rainn Wilson to a Chiefs game in the past [5].

In addition to his cinematic and television tastes, Kelce enjoys music across various genres, including country and pop. He’s been spotted singing along to Taylor Swift in his car and praised her hit album Red as “one of the best albums of all time” [6]. Kelce embraces music as a way to get pumped up before games as well, playing artists like Eminem and Drake on his pre-game playlists [7]. His eclectic pop culture sensibilities show that Kelce is far from a one-dimensional jock – he has diverse interests and talents beyond the gridiron.

The Entrepreneur
While football is Kelce’s passion, it isn’t his only focus. He is actively involved in business ventures and entrepreneurial pursuits off the field. In 2021, Kelce co-founded an apparel company called “Tight End University” alongside fellow NFL tight ends Greg Olsen and Jason Witten [8]. The clothing line celebrates the tight end position through fashionable, football-inspired gear. Within its first year, Tight End University had already expanded to include camps and community outreach programs [9].

Kelce’s entrepreneurial spirit had been evident even prior to Tight End University. In 2016, he partnered with a local Kansas City barbecue restaurant to launch his own signature smoked meat rub called “Travis Kelce’s Smoked Rub” [10]. The rub was a hit among Chiefs fans and barbecue enthusiasts. Kelce has also invested in other local Kansas City businesses over the years [11]. His interest in the business side of his career shows ambition and drive that extends far beyond just his play on the field.

The Family Man
Despite his busy NFL schedule and growing business commitments, Kelce prioritizes family above all else. He comes from an athletic lineage – his older brother Jason is a former NFL tight end himself. The brothers share an exceptionally close bond, having trained together growing up and now living near one another as adults [12]. Kelce and Jason co-host a podcast, “New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce,” where their playful brotherly dynamic and companionship is on full display each episode.

Kelce’s family extends beyond just his brother – he has a very tight-knit relationship with his parents and frequently posts about them on social media [13]. His mother’s birthday celebrations and family game nights at his parents’ house are highlights Kelce eagerly shares with his followers [14]. He also dotes on his nieces and nephews, bringing them into the locker room after big wins [15]. Despite his A-list celebrity status, Kelce remains grounded by cherishing time with his loved ones away from the spotlight.

The Entertainer
While his on-field bravado is unmatched, Kelce’s larger-than-life personality isn’t limited to football. He exudes confidence and charisma in other realms as well. Alongside his brother Jason, Kelce co-hosts their popular podcast “New Heights.” Now in its fifth season, the show gives listeners a fun, unfiltered look at the brothers’ lives and personalities each week [16]. Kelce is quick-witted and playfully roasts his brother throughout episodes, showcasing his comedic timing and entertainment skills.

Kelce also frequently posts comedic videos to his social media channels, where he aims to make fans laugh. Clips of him dancing in the locker room or goofing off with teammates at practice rack up millions of views [17]. His outgoing sense of humor even led Kelce to participate in a celebrity roast special in 2021 [18]. Away from football, Kelce proves himself a natural entertainer who commands attention with his lively personality – whether on his podcast, on social media, or on stage.

Beyond Football
By taking a deeper look into Travis Kelce’s world beyond the gridiron, it’s clear there is far more to him than touchdowns and records. He brings passion and ambition to his diverse interests in film, business, family, and entertainment. Kelce embraces life to the fullest off the field through his zest for pop culture, entrepreneurial spirit, close relationships, and playful sense of humor. While he remains one of football’s premier stars, Kelce proves himself a well-rounded man with multidimensional talents and pursuits that have nothing to do with sports. His drive to succeed and capacity for enjoyment extend far beyond the realm of his athletic exploits. Kelce’s lesser-known pursuits offer a glimpse of the complete person behind the player and reveal a life fully lived both on and off the field.