Touchdowns and TV: Travis Kelce Balances Football with a Flourishing Showbiz Career
Travis Kelce is not just a star on the football field — he’s making waves in the entertainment industry as well. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end recently played a charismatic nurse on FX’s Grotesquerie, appeared in a cameo for Happy Gilmore 2, and is now set to host a new game show. While Hollywood has taken notice, Kelce remains committed to his first passion: football.
“I still love coming in to work, getting after it, and chasing championships,” Kelce said in an interview. “That’s what I’ve always dreamt of doing. But in the off-season, I do like to dabble around.” He’s eager to explore his options in entertainment, adding, “I think you’ll see me continue to find my lane.”
On October 16, Kelce will debut as the host of Are You Smarter than a Celebrity? on Prime Video. The show pits adult contestants against celebrities in answering elementary-level questions. The final challenge, a 6th-grade level question, offers a $100,000 prize.
Kelce’s love for game shows began in childhood. He and his older brother, Jason — who formerly played center for the Philadelphia Eagles — were avid fans of Nickelodeon’s Double Dare and Legends of the Hidden Temple, as well as classic shows like Family Feud and Price is Right. Jeopardy! was a family affair.
Kelce is confident that his brother Jason would excel on the game show. “Without a doubt, if there’s one person I would recommend for it, it’s definitely Jason. He would have fun and have some creative answers even if he didn’t know the real answer,” he said.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Kelce attributes his authenticity and confidence to his parents, emphasizing the importance of good ethics and morals. His stint hosting SNL a few years ago was a pivotal moment that propelled him further into the entertainment industry.
Kelce has embraced the challenges of hosting, acknowledging the importance of keeping the show lively and the participants engaged. “Taking control of the atmosphere was probably the biggest challenge,” he noted, “You have to make sure that everybody understands the rules and where they’re at in the game.”
Adjusting to a new environment required some adaptation, including managing his caffeine intake to maintain energy throughout filming days. Despite his apprehension about watching himself on screen, Kelce plans to do so in order to critique his performance.
He humorously confessed his lack of knowledge in certain areas, like the astronomy category. “I didn’t know anything about that and I still don’t. On top of that, I didn’t even know that was taught in elementary school,” he said with a laugh.
Though he’s found a home at the tight end position, Kelce still holds a quarterback’s mentality. “I’m a quarterback at heart. I can’t throw anymore, but I loved having the ball in my hands every single play,” he explained. Over time, he’s realized that playing tight end complements his athleticism and mindset, preferring its flexibility over the structured role of a quarterback.
As Kelce continues to balance touchdowns with TV appearances, it’s clear he’s thriving in both arenas. Whether on the gridiron or in front of the camera, his charisma and talent shine through, captivating fans and audiences alike.
