Travis Kelce’s emotional rookie moment resurfaces as Chiefs honor 12 years of greatness

The Kansas City Chiefs recently honored one of their brightest stars with a heartwarming throwback video, taking fans on a nostalgic journey back to the moment Travis Kelce was drafted. Twelve years ago, Kelce’s name was called in the 2013 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most iconic careers in football. This fun and emotional tribute, posted by the Chiefs on Instagram on April 16, relived the pivotal moment in Kelce’s life.

In the video, fans are transported back to Travis Kelce’s watch party, where the tight end sat anxiously, his head buried in his hands, waiting for his name to be announced. The tension was palpable until team CEO Clark Hunt’s voice rang out, saying, “With the 63rd pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Travis Kelce.” The moment was immediately followed by an eruption of cheers from those around Kelce. He embraced his mother, Donna, with sheer joy and relief, marking the beginning of his incredible journey with the Chiefs.

The video’s caption humorously read, “This pick worked out, right @killatrav?” to which Kelce’s New Heights podcast, co-hosted by his brother Jason Kelce, replied with a simple yet powerful statement: “And the rest is history.” It’s hard to argue with that. Over the past twelve years, Kelce has become a symbol of success for the Chiefs, cementing himself as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
From his draft day jitters to his status as a multiple time Super Bowl champion, Kelce’s journey with the Chiefs has been nothing short of remarkable. He has not only been a key player in the Chiefs’ offense but also a leader on and off the field. His connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes has turned into one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL, while his mentorship under head coach Andy Reid has helped shape him into the player he is today.
But Kelce’s journey is not just defined by his athleticism. His impact on the Chiefs and his legacy in football are also a testament to his resilience and dedication. He holds the record for the longest streak of consecutive games with a reception in NFL history, having caught a pass in 158 straight games. Additionally, Kelce has amassed more receiving yards than any other player in Chiefs history, further solidifying his place among the greats.

The tribute comes at a significant time, as it was posted less than two months after Kelce announced he would be returning to the Chiefs for another season. This decision came after a devastating loss in Super Bowl 2025 to the Philadelphia Eagles, which Kelce described as an “all-time low.” On the March 5 episode of New Heights, Travis openly admitted that the loss played a major role in his decision to return to the field. “It was probably the biggest factor,” he confessed. Despite the heartbreak, his love for the game and his drive to continue playing at a high level led to his decision to extend his career.
“The biggest thing is that I f----- love playing the game of football. I love playing,” Kelce expressed with enthusiasm. “I still think I can play it at a high level, and possibly at a higher level than I did last year.” This passion and determination are what have driven him to remain a top-tier athlete even as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Looking back at the video and reflecting on Kelce’s remarkable journey, it’s clear that the Chiefs’ decision to draft him in 2013 was one that changed the course of both his life and the franchise’s history. Today, Kelce is not just a football icon but also a pop culture sensation, thanks to his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. However, it’s his dedication to the game and his continued success that remain his true legacy.
As the NFL draft approaches, it’s a fitting time for the Chiefs to reminisce about the past and celebrate one of their greatest players. Kelce’s story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the belief that even the most uncertain moments can lead to greatness.
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