Travis Kelce recently opened up on his podcast, New Heights, about what might have been his final game in Cleveland. Travis Kelce, drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, has become one of the most celebrated tight ends in NFL history. A standout player for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, Kelce has achieved remarkable success with the Chiefs, securing Super Bowl victories in LIV, LVII, and LVIII. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time,
The Kansas City Chiefs star expressed deep affection for the city, saying, “I just love that city, man. It was so fun.” Kelce, who grew up and attended college in nearby Cleveland Heights with his brother Jason, shared nostalgic memories from his visit to Cleveland, making it a sentimental experience.
Nostalgic Reflections on Cleveland
During the episode, Travis reflected on the emotions stirred by his return to his hometown. “When we flew in, I felt like a tour guide,” he said. “I was telling everybody every single city that we were going past, every monument, every building.” He continued, “Silly memories… were going in and out of my mind. And it felt so surreal." The visit, he added, was a powerful reminder of his roots and the memories attached to his hometown.
Possibly His Last Game in Cleveland
Despite the emotional visit, Travis Kelce acknowledged that this might have been his final game in Cleveland, stating, “I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll ever play in Cleveland, but it kinda felt like I was just giving it one last hurrah before I’m done because I’ve only played there twice in 12 years." As of now, Kelce is in his 12th NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs, making the possibility of returning to Cleveland less certain in the future.
A Brotherly Bond and Super Bowl Memories
Travis and his brother Jason, who retired earlier this year after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, have shared a lifelong bond both on and off the field. Reflecting on their competitive journey together, Jason Kelce shared in his retirement press conference, “It was really my brother and I our whole lives. We did almost everything together — competed, fought, laughed, cried, and learned from each other."
The brothers’ relationship was put to the test during the 2023 Super Bowl when the Chiefs defeated the Eagles. Jason described the emotional conflict he felt after the loss, stating, “I won’t forget falling short to the Chiefs and the conflicting feeling of immense heartbreak I had selfishly for myself and for my teammates. And at the same time the amount of pride I had that my brother had climbed the mountaintop once again.”
Travis Kelce's NFL Legacy
Kelce is a nine-time Pro Bowler and a seven-time All-Pro, with four first-team and three second-team honors. He also holds NFL records for the most consecutive and total seasons with 1,000 receiving yards by a tight end, accomplishing this feat in seven seasons.
