History of Travis Kelce in Timeline
Travis Kelce is a prominent tight end in the NFL, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted in 2013, he has been instrumental in the Chiefs' success, contributing significantly to their victories in Super Bowls LIV, LVII, and LVIII. Before joining the NFL, Kelce honed his skills playing college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats. His consistent performance and impact on the game have solidified his position as a key player for the Chiefs.
1986: Release of Beastie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)"
In 1986, the Beastie Boys released their hit song "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)." This song would later become associated with Travis Kelce's celebrations during the Chiefs' Super Bowl runs.
1987: "Fairytale of New York" Release
"Fairytale of New York" was released in 1987 by the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl.
October 5, 1989: Travis Kelce is Born
Travis Michael Kelce was born on October 5, 1989.
2003: New England Patriots Repeat as Super Bowl Champions
On this day in 2003, the New England Patriots repeated as Super Bowl champions, winning Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Carolina Panthers. This victory marked their second consecutive Super Bowl win, following their success in Super Bowl XXXVI the previous year.
2004: New England Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXIX
In 2004, the New England Patriots secured their second consecutive Super Bowl victory by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. This win marked their third Super Bowl championship in four seasons, cementing their status as a dominant force in the NFL during this era.
2007: High School Football Success
In 2007, as a senior in high school, Travis Kelce excelled in football, amassing 1,016 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns, and 1,523 passing yards, with 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His combined 2,539 yards of total offense earned him All-Lake Erie League recognition.
2008: Redshirts at the University of Cincinnati
Travis Kelce redshirted during the 2008 football season at the University of Cincinnati.
2009: First Year Playing College Football
In 2009, Travis Kelce played in 11 games as a tight end and quarterback for the University of Cincinnati.
2010: Suspended for Violating Team Rules
Travis Kelce was suspended for the entire 2010 football season after violating team rules.
2011: Andy Reid Drafts Jason Kelce
In 2011, Andy Reid, coach of the Philadelphia Eagles at the time, drafted Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce's brother.
2011: Returns to Football after Suspension
In 2011, Travis Kelce returned to playing football for the University of Cincinnati after being suspended for the previous season.
2012: Strong Final College Football Season
In 2012, Travis Kelce had a standout season at the University of Cincinnati, setting personal bests in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He was recognized with first-team all-conference honors.
March 2013: College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year
In March 2013, Travis Kelce was named the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year.
June 6, 2013: Signs Rookie Contract with Chiefs
On June 6, 2013, Travis Kelce signed his rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
October 12, 2013: Placed on Injured Reserve
On October 12, 2013, Travis Kelce was placed on injured reserve after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee.
2013: Longest-Tenured Members
Following the release of long-time Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt, Kelce became tied with Anthony Sherman and fellow 2013 draftee Eric Fisher as the team's longest tenured members in 2013.
2013: Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs
In 2013, Travis Kelce was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the NFL draft.
2014: Emerges as Leading Receiver
During the 2014 season, Travis Kelce established himself as the Chiefs' leading receiver, accumulating 862 yards from 67 receptions.
2014: Travis Kelce Wins Chiefs' Ed Block Courage Award
In 2014, Travis Kelce was honored with the Kansas City Chiefs' Ed Block Courage Award. This award is presented annually to a player from each NFL team who exemplifies courage, sportsmanship, and inspiration.
2015: Travis Kelce Establishes Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation
In 2015, Travis Kelce established his non-profit organization, "Eighty-Seven & Running," in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. This foundation aims to empower underprivileged youth by providing resources, support, and opportunities to cultivate their talents and achieve success.
2015: First Multi-Touchdown Game and Pro Bowl Selection
In 2015, Travis Kelce had his first NFL game with multiple touchdowns, contributing to a victory against the Houston Texans. He was selected for his first Pro Bowl this year.
January 2016: Travis Kelce Stars in "Catching Kelce" Dating Show
In January 2016, Travis Kelce starred in "Catching Kelce," a dating show on E! Entertainment Television, where he ultimately chose Maya Benberry as the winner. This show provided a glimpse into his personal life and added to his growing celebrity status.
January 29, 2016: Signs Contract Extension
On January 29, 2016, Travis Kelce agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $46 million.
April 2016: Relationship with Maya Benberry
Travis Kelce began dating Maya Benberry, the winner of his dating show, in April 2016.
December 20, 2016: Selected to Second Pro Bowl
On December 20, 2016, Travis Kelce was selected to his second Pro Bowl.
2016: Ranked 91st on NFL Top 100
In 2016, Travis Kelce was ranked 91st on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
January 2017: Breakup with Maya Benberry
Maya Benberry confirmed her breakup with Travis Kelce in January 2017.
December 19, 2017: Selected to Third Straight Pro Bowl
On December 19, 2017, Travis Kelce was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.
2017: Travis Kelce Kneels During National Anthem in Protest
In 2017, Travis Kelce became one of the highest-profile white NFL players to kneel during the national anthem. This act of protest was intended to bring attention to police brutality, racism, and social inequalities in America, demonstrating his willingness to use his platform to advocate for social justice.
2017: Ranked 26th on NFL Top 100 Players
In 2017, Travis Kelce was ranked 26th overall, and second among tight ends, by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2018: Ranked 24th on NFL Top 100 Players
In 2018, Travis Kelce was ranked 24th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.
2018: Single-Season Yardage Record
In 2020, Travis Kelce set the single-season yardage record for a tight end with 1,416 yards, topping George Kittle's 1,377 yards set in 2018.
2018: Ranked 21st on NFL Top 100 Players
In 2018, Travis Kelce was ranked 21st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2018: Travis Kelce Develops Robotics Lab With Operation Breakthrough
In 2018, Travis Kelce partnered with Operation Breakthrough, a Kansas City-based non-profit, to develop a Robotics Lab. This lab provides access to STEM education for nearly 300 students from elementary to high school levels in the area, fostering their interest in science and technology.
2018: Nearly Breaks NFL Record for Receiving Yards in a Single Season by a Tight End
During the 2018 NFL season, Travis Kelce was on track to break the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season. However, his production tapered off in the latter part of the season, and 49ers tight end George Kittle ultimately claimed the record.
2019: Travis Kelce Recites Beastie Boys' Lyrics During AFC Championship Celebration
During the 2019 AFC Championship Game celebration, Travis Kelce notably recited the chorus from the Beastie Boys' 1986 song "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" This act resonated with fans and became a memorable moment of the Chiefs' victory.
2019: First Tight End with Four 1,000+ Yard Seasons
During the 2019 season, Travis Kelce became the first tight end in NFL history to record four consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
2019: Travis Kelce Participates in Charity Celebrity Softball Game
In 2019, Travis Kelce participated in a charity celebrity softball game, using his platform to raise funds for the Lake Health Foundation. This event demonstrated his willingness to engage in various charitable initiatives and support local organizations.
2019: Founding of Hilo Nutrition
Travis Kelce founded his own health brand, Hilo Nutrition, in 2019.
2019: Investment in Cholula Hot Sauce
Travis Kelce invested in the purchase of Cholula Hot Sauce by the private equity firm L Catterton in 2019.
January 2020: Launch of Tru Kolors Clothing Brand
Travis Kelce launched his own clothing brand, Tru Kolors, in January 2020.
August 14, 2020: Contract Extension
On August 14, 2020, Travis Kelce signed a four-year, $57 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, securing his place on the team through the 2025 season.
2020: Acquisition of Cholula Hot Sauce by McCormick & Company
Travis Kelce earned four times his investment when McCormick & Company acquired Cholula Hot Sauce in 2020.
2020: Travis Kelce Appears in "Moonbase 8" Comedy Series
In 2020, Travis Kelce made an appearance as a fictionalized version of himself in the first episode of the comedy series "Moonbase 8." This cameo showcased his willingness to engage in comedic roles and expand his entertainment profile.
2020: Travis Kelce Nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and Wins NFL Charity Challenge Award
In 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs nominated Travis Kelce for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding community service and commitment to philanthropy. In the same year, Kelce's dedication to charity was further acknowledged when fans voted him the winner of the NFL's Charity Challenge Award.
2020: Sets Single-Season Receiving Yards Record
In 2020, Travis Kelce set the NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,416 yards.
2020: First Tight End with Two 100-Catch Seasons
In 2020, Travis Kelce became the first tight end in NFL history to have two 100-catch seasons.
2020: Ranked 18th on NFL Top 100 Players
In 2020, Travis Kelce was ranked 18th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
December 20, 2021: Reserve/COVID-19 List
Travis Kelce was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on December 20, 2021.
December 25, 2021: Activated from Reserve/COVID-19 List
Travis Kelce was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on December 25, 2021.
2021: Super Bowl LV Appearance
In 2021, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to Super Bowl LV but lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kelce set a Super Bowl record for receiving yards by a tight end with 133 yards in the game.
2021: Release of Nike x Kelce Blazer Mid '77 Vintage Sneaker Collection
In 2021, Travis Kelce released a signature sneaker collection in collaboration with Nike, called Nike x Kelce Blazer Mid '77 Vintage.
August 2022: Launch of "Kelce's Krunch" Cereal
In August 2022, Hy-Vee began manufacturing "Kelce's Krunch", a limited-edition breakfast cereal endorsed by Travis Kelce.
September 2022: Launch of "New Heights" Podcast
In September 2022, Travis Kelce and his brother Jason launched their weekly sports podcast called "New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce".
2022: Graduates College
Travis Kelce graduated with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree in 2022.
2022: End of Relationship with Kayla Nicole Brown
Travis Kelce's relationship with Kayla Nicole Brown ended in 2022.
2022: Tru Kolors Collaboration with Kansas City Chiefs
In 2022, Tru Kolors became the first NFL player-owned brand to collaborate with an NFL franchise, the Kansas City Chiefs.
2022: Travis Kelce's Foundation Endows Health and Wellness Fund
In 2022, Travis Kelce's foundation made a significant contribution by endowing a Health and Wellness fund for the University of Cincinnati's Sports Psychology and Counseling Department. This endowment aimed to support the mental health and well-being of student-athletes, reflecting Kelce's understanding of the importance of mental health in sports.
2022: NFL Record-Breaking 33rd 100-Yard Receiving Game
In 2022, Travis Kelce recorded his 33rd 100-yard receiving game, breaking the NFL record among tight ends.
2022: AFC Championship Loss
In 2022, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Cincinatti Bengals in the AFC Championship game.
2022: "New Heights" Named Sports Podcast of the Year
In 2022, "New Heights" was named the Sports Podcast of the Year by Sports Illustrated.
2022: Reaches 10,000 Career Receiving Yards
During the 2022 season, Travis Kelce became the fifth NFL tight end to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, achieving this milestone faster than any other tight end in NFL history.
February 2023: "New Heights" Podcast Popularity Surge
In February 2023, the "New Heights" podcast experienced a rise in popularity during Super Bowl LVII when Travis and Jason Kelce faced off against each other.
March 4, 2023: Travis Kelce Hosts Saturday Night Live
Travis Kelce took on the role of host for Saturday Night Live on March 4, 2023. His appearance included a sketch featuring his brother Jason and SNL cast members Heidi Gardner and Chloe Fineman. He also made a cameo appearance on the October 14, 2023, episode, showcasing his versatility and popularity beyond the football field.
April 2023: Kelce Jam Music Festival Launch
In April 2023, Travis Kelce announced the launch of his own annual music festival called Kelce Jam.
May 2023: Travis Kelce Signs with Creative Artists Agency
In May 2023, Travis Kelce signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for representation in his endeavors outside of football, while retaining his existing agent for NFL matters. This move signaled his intentions to further explore opportunities in entertainment and other areas beyond his athletic career.
September 11, 2023: Release of "Kelce" Documentary
On September 11, 2023, "Kelce," a feature-length documentary about Jason Kelce's football career and private life, was released on Amazon Prime. The documentary quickly gained popularity, becoming the most-watched movie among U.S. subscribers to the streaming service within 24 hours of its release.
September 2023: "New Heights" Second Season Premiere and Top Ranking
After the premiere of its second season in September 2023, "New Heights" became the No. 1 sports podcast in the U.S. and globally on Spotify, and the No. 1 podcast overall on Apple.
October 14, 2023: Travis Kelce Makes Cameo Appearance on SNL
On October 14, 2023, Travis Kelce made a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live, further demonstrating his presence in popular culture.
October 2023: Launch of Travis Kelce's Kitchen Barbecue Products
In October 2023, Travis Kelce and Walmart launched Travis Kelce's Kitchen, a line of barbecue products.
2023: Recognition as a Successful Endorser
In 2023, Business Insider estimated that Travis Kelce makes $5 million annually from endorsements, recognizing him as one of football's most successful endorsers.
2023: Super Bowl LVII Appearance
Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, for whom his brother, Jason, played, to win Super Bowl LVII in 2023. This made history as the first Super Bowl to feature two brothers as players on opposing teams.
2023: Surpasses Jerry Rice in Playoff Receptions
In 2023, Travis Kelce surpassed Jerry Rice for most career playoff receptions.
2023: Travis Kelce Performs "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" with Jimmy Fallon
In 2023, Travis Kelce performed the Beastie Boys' song "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. This performance highlighted the song's continued association with Kelce and his celebratory spirit.
2023: Investment in Alpine Formula One Team
In 2023, Travis Kelce joined a group of investors, including Ryan Reynolds and Patrick Mahomes, to buy a stake in the Alpine Formula One team.
2023: Travis Kelce Starts Dating Taylor Swift
In 2023, Travis Kelce began dating singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. This highly publicized relationship garnered significant media attention and is believed to have increased NFL viewership.
2023: Kelce Participates in Celebrity Golf Tournaments
During the 2023 offseason, Travis Kelce participated in several celebrity golf tournaments, including the American Century Championship, where he won the long drive contest, and The Match VIII, where he teamed up with Patrick Mahomes to defeat Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
January 21, 2024: Chiefs-Bills Game Breaks Viewership Records
On January 21, 2024, the Chiefs-Bills game, which Taylor Swift attended, became the most-watched NFL divisional playoff game ever and the most-watched program on any network since Super Bowl LVII.
March 19, 2024: Announcement of "Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?" Hosting
On March 19, 2024, it was announced that Travis Kelce was in talks to host the reboot of "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?", later revealed to be titled "Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?".
April 2024: Graduates from the University of Cincinnati
In April 2024, Travis Kelce received his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the University of Cincinnati during a podcast event.
April 29, 2024: Travis Kelce Signs Two-Year Extension With Kansas City Chiefs
On April 29, 2024, Travis Kelce signed a two-year extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, a deal reportedly worth $34.25 million. This contract made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, reflecting his status as one of the most valuable players in the league.
2024: Travis Kelce Supports Various Causes and Initiatives
Throughout 2024, Travis Kelce continued his philanthropic endeavors, including a $500,000 donation to transform a building in Kansas City into "Ignition Lab," a coworking space designed to provide disadvantaged children with opportunities to explore STEM careers. He also organized his annual fundraising event in Kansas City, featuring an auto show and a fashion show, to benefit various causes in both Kansas City and Cleveland. Additionally, Kelce donated 25,000 breakfast meals to students in Kansas City, demonstrating his commitment to addressing food insecurity among youth. Following the Kansas City parade shooting, he made a significant donation of $100,000 to support the families of two children who were seriously injured in the incident, highlighting his compassion and support for victims of violence.
2025: Contract Extension
Travis Kelce signed a contract extension that secured his time with the Chiefs through the 2025 season.