Travis Kelce Set for 12th NFL Season as New Hollywood Hopes Emerge
In 2020, Travis Kelce made his scripted television debut in a role that ended with his character, a hot-headed athlete-turned-astronaut, meeting a tragic fate in a desert sinkhole. However, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s Hollywood career has sparked new life, opening doors for a future beyond the gridiron.
As Kelce returns to the field for his 12th NFL season this week, he does so not just as the league’s highest-paid tight end, but also under an unprecedented spotlight, which is significant for a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Entering this new season, Kelce has already secured roles in the eagerly-awaited FX show “Grotesquerie,” produced by Ryan Murphy, and Adam Sandler’s highly-anticipated sequel to “Happy Gilmore.” Additionally, he is set to host the upcoming Prime Video game show “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” and recently clinched a deal exceeding $100 million to bring his popular sports podcast “New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce” to Amazon’s Wondery, which is now in its third season.
“We positioned Travis to be world-famous,” said André Eanes, one of Kelce’s managers, in an April interview with the New York Times. “We didn’t know how it would happen, or when it would happen, or what would help push that further along. But it’s always been the thought in the back of our minds.”
Kelce is not the first athlete to transition from the football field to Hollywood. Former NFL players like Terry Crews and Michael Strahan, along with college football stars such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Carl Weathers, and Mark Harmon, have all made successful pivots. However, Kelce has showcased his unique approach to navigating the industry, particularly through his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift, suggesting he is committed to charting his own path in the entertainment world.
Prior to his role in “Moonbase 8,” Kelce was relatively unknown in Hollywood and had minimal acting experience. His only prior role was in the 2016 E! dating reality show “Catching Kelce.”
John C. Reilly, co-creator of “Moonbase 8,” revealed to The Ringer in 2020 that Kelce was cast after Rob Gronkowski declined the role, joking, “When Gronkowski said no we were like, ‘We’re gonna make Gronkowski regret this! We’re gonna get the kid who’s nipping at his heels!’”
Kelce portrayed a satirical version of himself in the series, depicting a demanding football star chosen by NASA for a public relations stunt alongside aspiring astronauts played by Reilly, Tim Heidecker, and Fred Armisen.
Reflecting on his time with Kelce, Heidecker noted, “I think like anyone dipping into new territory, Travis required a bit of warming up to the whole acting thing but after a few takes he felt very natural and funny.” He added, “it’s no surprise to me he’d find success in whatever field he’s interested in!”
Following “Moonbase 8,” Kelce’s successful path continued. Just a month after the Chiefs’ victory in the Super Bowl in 2023, he made his hosting debut on “Saturday Night Live.” His subsequent appearances—including a cameo alongside Taylor Swift—garnered praise, generating buzz about his potential in Hollywood, a topic he addressed during a press conference in February.
“I’m comedy all the way… I just like to have a fun time and make people laugh,” Kelce said, expressing interest in pursuing comedic roles. He indicated a willingness to explore various genres, stating, “I know there’s definitely Hollywood talks out there.”
As he ventures into this new realm, Kelce could take cues from others ahead of him in the industry, like “The Rock,” who previously emphasized being true to oneself amid Hollywood pressures.
In recent months, Kelce’s schedule has become increasingly packed. In April, it was announced that he would host the Prime Video game show “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” followed by a role in Ryan Murphy’s horror drama “Grotesquerie” in May.
With his upcoming projects influencing his off-season, Kelce admitted he faced some initial nerves about his new ventures. “I feel like an amateur right now,” he said during a June interview with “Good Morning America,” adding, “I am a coachable guy.”
Kelce is also expected to appear in the forthcoming “Happy Gilmore 2,” as confirmed by Sandler, who described the scene as a comedic highlight involving notable golfers.
Moreover, earlier this year, Kelce took on the role of executive producer for the indie film “My Dead Friend Zoe,” which premiered at SXSW and won the Audience Award.
His podcast, “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce,” has transformed from a casual sports talk show into a chart-topping hit that has led to lucrative deals eclipsing his NFL contracts.
Co-hosting with his brother Jason, who retired this past year after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce enjoys his post-NFL endeavors but remains dedicated to the game.
“I just love football and how it takes me away from life and gives me something I can feel genuinely happy about,” Kelce stated during a Chiefs pre-season press conference on Tuesday, adding, “I have so much excitement doing it; it’s going to be hard trying to figure out when to call it quits or not.”
As Kelce embarks on this journey, only time will tell how he balances his NFL career with his burgeoning Hollywood interests.