Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce might be eyeing a surprising career pivot following a brutal Super Bowl LIX loss and swirling retirement rumors. The Chiefs, led by Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, entered New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome aiming to make NFL history with a three-peat. Instead, they stumbled in a 40-22 rout by the Philadelphia Eagles. Amid the chaos, whispers are growing louder: The 35-year-old tight end could be trading touchdowns for scripts, diving headfirst into Hollywood. Could acting be Kelce’s next touchdown? Let’s unpack the buzz.
From gridiron to red carpets: Travis Kelce’s Hollywood playbook
While the Chiefs lick their wounds, Travis Kelce’s off-field ambitions are stealing headlines. The NFL icon, already dipping his toes into acting, is reportedly plotting a full-time leap into Tinseltown. Last fall, he made his acting debut in Ryan Murphy’s eerie FX series Grotesquerie and hosts Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?. Up next? He’s executive-producing the indie film My Dead Friend Zoe and co-starring with Adam Sandler in Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2.
Industry insiders are cautiously optimistic. Happy Gilmore director Dennis Dugan raved about Kelce’s charm on set:
"His acting was really good and funny, and he was just a genuinely nice guy… Every time he catches a pass on TV, I say, ‘My best friend caught another pass.’" (As per Hollywood Reporter)
Casting guru Matthew Barry, known for Rush Hour and The Notebook, sees potential too, comparing Travis Kelce to athlete-turned-actors like Dwayne Johnson.
But transitioning from sports to screens isn’t a slam dunk. While NBA stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry have juggled courts and cameras, Kelce faces a crowded field. Yet his charisma—honed in podcasts and commercials—gives him an edge.
As one source noted, "He’s got the personality to own a room, whether it’s a huddle or a film set."
Retirement rumors vs. silver screen dreams
Kelce hasn’t confirmed retirement, leaving fans—and Hollywood—in suspense. Mahomes dodged questions about his teammate’s future, but Kelce’s packed schedule hints at priorities. Between filming Happy Gilmore 2 and promoting projects, his playbook now includes auditions and red carpets.
Yet challenges loom. Athletes-turned-actors often battle typecasting or stiff performances (see: Shaq’s Kazaam). But Kelce’s comedic timing and raw authenticity could defy the odds. As Barry put it, “The camera loves confidence, and Travis has it in spades.”
Whether Travis Kelce trades cleats for clapperboards remains unclear. But one thing’s certain: His hustle mirrors his fourth-quarter drives—relentless. If Hollywood calls, don’t bet against him scoring big. After all, in football and film, it’s all about sticking the landing.