On the night of the 2013 NFL Draft, Travis Kelce sat anxiously waiting for his name to be called. Finally, with the 63rd overall pick in the third round, the Kansas City Chiefs took a chance on the young tight end out of Cincinnati. More than a decade later, it’s safe to say that pick didn’t just work out — it changed the course of NFL history.
Since arriving in Kansas City, Kelce has blossomed into one of the greatest tight ends the league has ever seen. His career started off a bit rocky, as he played just one game his rookie year due to a knee injury. But once he got healthy, there was no looking back. Kelce quickly became a key piece of the Chiefs’ offense, showcasing rare athleticism, precise route running, and a personality that made him a fan favorite almost immediately.
By 2016, he had fully arrived on the national stage, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. That year, he finished with over 1,100 receiving yards — an incredible number for a tight end. And that was just the beginning. From 2016 onward, Kelce has been virtually unstoppable. He has posted seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons — a record for tight ends — and continues to break barriers at a position that historically wasn’t known for huge receiving numbers.
Kelce has been selected to eight Pro Bowls and named a First-Team All-Pro four times. His combination of size, speed, hands, and football IQ has made him a nightmare for defenses and a dream for Chiefs quarterbacks, first Alex Smith and now Patrick Mahomes. Together, Mahomes and Kelce have formed one of the most lethal quarterback-tight end duos the NFL has ever seen.
Of course, no career summary would be complete without mentioning the championships. Kelce has been instrumental in helping the Chiefs win three Super Bowls — Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVIII, and Super Bowl LIX. In each playoff run, Kelce elevated his game, becoming Mahomes’ most trusted weapon in the biggest moments. His performances in the postseason are legendary, often leading the Chiefs in receptions, yards, and clutch plays when the stakes are highest.
Beyond the stats and the accolades, Kelce has brought an energy and personality to the Chiefs that has helped define the franchise’s new era. Whether it’s his trademark celebrations, his unforgettable Super Bowl parade speeches, or his leadership in the locker room, Travis Kelce embodies the spirit of the Chiefs just as much as he dominates between the white lines.
When the Chiefs posted, “This pick worked out, right @tkelce?” they weren’t just being playful. They were stating a fact. The 63rd pick in 2013 turned out to be one of the greatest players in franchise history — and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
And the best part? He’s not done yet.
