Childhood and Education Journey of Travis Kelce in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Travis Kelce. A timeline of key moments.

Travis Kelce is a professional American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Chiefs, he played college football at the University of Cincinnati. Kelce has won three Super Bowls (LIV, LVII, and LVIII) with the Chiefs, establishing himself as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 5, 1989: Travis Kelce's Birth

On October 5, 1989, Travis Michael Kelce was born. He later became a professional football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

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2007: Senior Year Football Stats

In 2007, as a senior at Cleveland Heights High School, Travis Kelce rushed for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns, and threw for 1,523 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, earning All-Lake Erie League honors.

2008: Redshirting at Cincinnati

In 2008, Travis Kelce redshirted at the University of Cincinnati.

2009: College Football Debut

In 2009, Travis Kelce appeared in 11 games for the Cincinnati Bearcats, playing tight end and quarterback in the wildcat formation, tallying 47 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and one reception for three yards.

2010: Suspension from Cincinnati Bearcats

In 2010, Travis Kelce was suspended from the Cincinnati Bearcats football team for violating team rules after testing positive for marijuana.

2011: Return to Tight End

In 2011, after his suspension, Travis Kelce returned to playing tight end, recording 13 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

2012: Final Collegiate Season

In 2012, during his last collegiate season, Travis Kelce set personal season highs in receptions (45), receiving yards (722), yards per reception (16.0), and receiving touchdowns (8).

March 2013: College Football Performance Award

In March 2013, Travis Kelce was named the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year.

January 2016: Starred in Catching Kelce

In January 2016, Travis Kelce starred in the E! Entertainment Television dating show Catching Kelce, where he chose Maya Benberry as the winner.

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2016: Catching Kelce TV Show

In 2016, Travis Kelce was the namesake of the dating show "Catching Kelce" on E!.

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2017: Kneeling During the National Anthem

In 2017, Travis Kelce became one of the highest-profile white NFL players to kneel during the national anthem in protest against police brutality, racism, and social inequalities in America.

2022: Graduation from University of Cincinnati

In 2022, Travis Kelce graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

2023: Hosting Saturday Night Live

In 2023, Travis Kelce hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live.

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April 2024: Diploma Presentation at Podcast Event

In April 2024, Travis Kelce received his diploma during a podcast event at the Fifth Third Arena with his brother Jason.

2024: New Heights Podcast Ranking

In 2024, Travis Kelce's podcast, "New Heights", co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, was ranked as the 8th most popular podcast in the United States on Apple Podcasts.