Travis Kelce has made countless headlines because of his relationship with mega-star Taylor Swift. After the pair started dating in the summer of 2023, the relationship blossomed into a high-profile romance that’s sure to go down in history as a major pop culture moment—thanks in part to the “Taylor Effect.” But guys, let’s get one thing straight: As adorable as Kelce and Swift are together, there’s more to the Kansas City Chiefs tight-end than his dating status.

For one, he’s considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, having broken multiple records and won three Super Bowl games. And though he and the Chiefs didn’t walk away with a fourth trophy in 2025, Travis is still keeping in good spirits.

On his podcast, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, he said, “I love my teammates; I love my coaches…I have loved ones; I have the most amazing family in the world that supports me in everything I do. Everyone was there to at least make it feel like it wasn’t the worst day of my life.”

Aside from his exciting love life, the NFL star still boasts an incredibly supportive team, a promising acting career and several lucrative business ventures. Keep reading for all the details.

• Hometown: Westlake, Ohio
• Birthday: October 5, 1989
• Star Sign: Libra

Early Life & Rise to Fame

Kelce was born to Ed and Donna Kelce in Westlake, Ohio. He and his brother, Jason, were born exactly 23 months apart, and they both attended Cleveland Heights High School, where they both played football. However, Travis was also into basketball—and his skills on the court earned him a few unique nicknames: T, T-Rex and Traveling Tav.

He told Parade, “I think ‘T’ for ‘Travis,’ and T-Rex was kind of, like, a mind frame. Like a mindset. Or it was because I was just, like, fat with short arms.” He added, “It was that and Traveling Trav” because he “did not like to dribble.”

Fortunately, though, his success on the football field in high school earned him offers from schools like Akron, Eastern Michigan and Miami University, but he ultimately followed in his big brother’s footsteps and accepted a scholarship from the University of Cincinnati. 

Travis played as a quarterback and tight end for the Bearcats, and in 2013, he was named the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year. He also completed his Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

However, his big break came during the third round of the 2013 NFL draft, when he was selected by the Chiefs. Travis has since helped his team win three Super Bowls (LIV, LVII, and LVIII).