Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: NFL, Travis Kelce, NBA
Ryan Baldi
Travis Kelce has become one of the biggest named in the US sports world over the last couple of years. But now it has been revealed that he used to go by an entirely different name.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has found himself in the public spotlight since he began dating pop icon Taylor Swift in 2023.
And the megastar singer was in attendance this past Sunday as Kelce and co. booked their place in February's Super Bowl with a 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs – led by two-time MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes – are aiming to make history when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL's showpiece event, as they hope to become the first team ever to win three successive Super Bowl titles.
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Kansas City and Philadelphia met in the Super Bowl two years ago, with the Chiefs coming out on top after overtime. And that game featured two Kelces, as Travis' brother Jason lined up for the Eagles.
Jason Kelce, who was a six-time All-Pro selection at the centre position and a Super Bowl champion in his 12-year NFL career, retired at the end of the 2023 regular season. Now, in addition to his work as an analyst for ESPN, he co-hosts the New Heights podcast with his younger brother.
And in a recent episode, Jason revealed how Travis used to go by a different name when they were kids, in honour of his favourite NBA star.
“He told the entire block his name was Charles because his favourite basketball player was Charles Barkley,”
“We found out at a block party cause all the other parents were like, ‘There goes Charles.' That’s the kind of kid Travis was. He was always living up to all his sports idols for sure."
With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away, Travis is focusing on the opportunity he and his teammates have to make history as they pursue an unprecedented "threepeat".
“Playoff football is the most meaningful football that you’ll ever play in your life,” Kelce said in a recent Instagram video.
“I cherish every single play, man, I really do. When you’re in it, you’re always trying to strive for greatness, being greater than what you are.
"You know, obviously there’s a historic run and something that we can achieve that no other team has ever achieved, and that fuels you.”