Travis Kelce Shaves His Beard After Super Bowl 2025: New Look, New Chapter?

Travis Kelce has said goodbye to his Super Bowl beard.

On February 25, during a promotional segment for the New Heights podcast, Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared with a noticeably closer shave. To match his freshly trimmed beard, he wore a blue shirt and a “Tribeca” cap. In this clip, Travis was joined by his brother Jason Kelce who interviewed NHL players, including the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady.

Travis has experimented with various hairstyles and beard styles throughout his life, but his most recent change seems to follow a pattern common among NFL players. Before the 2024 Super Bowl, this sports star grew out his facial hair, only to shave it off afterwards – all for a specific reason: he feels more comfortable playing with a rougher appearance.

Last year, Travis expressed to People magazine that he felt a strong influence from his beard, which coincided with the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory. He mentioned that his gameplay has significantly improved since he started growing it out.

This year, it seemed my beloved Eagles turned the tables on their fortune, triumphantly securing a monumental Super Bowl victory – a stark contrast to their defeat against the Chiefs in 2023.

Now that the championship game has passed, there are whispers of more changes for Travis than merely a new hairdo: There’s talk about him potentially retiring from football. It appears as though he may have a clean-shaven face right when these retirement rumors started circulating. Nevertheless, it seems most believe he hasn’t hung up his cleats just yet.

In simple terms, Brett Veach mentioned on February 25 at the NFL Scouting Combine that the player was highly motivated at the end of the season. He also stated that the player has one more year in his contract, but Veach believes that the player still possesses the passion and drive to continue playing football.

Ever since the season wrapped up, I’ve found myself taking a step back, much like Travis was advised by Andy Reid. And who knows? Maybe he’s been spending some quality time with his lady, Taylor Swift. But don’t worry, Chiefs fans, I’m keeping a close eye on our star player as we eagerly await his next move!

Reid suggested, during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 25th, that they should all take a break and unwind. At present, it seems like he’s following this advice. He and I plan to meet up soon.

Read on for more fun facts about Travis.

Though Travis Kelce might always be connected to Kansas City, Missouri, on a deep level, his childhood was spent in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Instead of mentioning his alma mater (University of Cincinnati), the man enthusiastically shouts out his hometown during sports broadcasts featuring player introductions.

Which, as you might guess, has irked some fellow alums.

In 2019, Travis shared his thoughts when he and his brother Jason Kelce were inducted into the Cleveland Heights High School Hall of Fame. Despite cherishing his time at the University of Cincinnati deeply, he admitted that it wasn’t always a smooth ride for him. He faced challenging times there, describing it as tough. Travis even lost his scholarship and made some regrettable choices, which many people from Heights can probably relate to, given they know someone who’s done similarly questionable things. To his friends, he acknowledged that he was that person going through a difficult phase.

Not only was the height a unique place for him, he elaborated, but it holds a special significance for everyone here. The rich tapestry of diversity found here stirs something within me. Everything I accomplish is dedicated to this city. It may sound trite, but let me assure you, every action you witness from me – whether it’s my dance in the end zone – that embodies Cleveland Heights, for you all, right there.

2. About that revoked scholarship…

Following their unbeaten 2009 season with a Big East championship, Travis was found to have used marijuana before the 2010 Sugar Bowl. This was due to overindulging during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans.

Beyond just missing the bowl game, he was suspended by the NCAA for the entire 2010 season, causing him to lose his scholarship. With nowhere else to live, he moved into his brother’s room in the house where some of his teammates resided, and took a job that involved cold-calling people to ask about their opinions on the Affordable Care Act as a telemarketer.

They did, and Travis could not wait to get back on the field.

3. Before focusing on football, Travis had experience playing hockey, baseball, and basketball. He was even a quarterback in high school, and notably, he was recruited as a two-star QB prospect for Cincinnati. However, due to his reinstatement to the team following his suspension, he transitioned into the tight end position.

In his conversation with Arrowhead Pride post his 2013 draft by the Chiefs, Travis mentioned that our team had a fantastic quarterback named Zach Collaros at the time. However, we required support in both the running and passing games. So I approached Coach Butch Jones, who was my coach then, and he suggested we needed a tight end. Given my abilities, athleticism, and direction, it all aligned perfectly for me.

In 2017, when he talked to GQ and looked back on his less-than-stellar moment, he said, “People have always seen me as more of a ‘tight end’ in life.

4. The house located on 127 W. Nixon St., which Travis shared with Jason and other University of Cincinnati students (Bearcats), was frequently the site of mischief involving beer.

Tom DeTemple, a college friend and teammate, shared with the New York Times before the 2024 Super Bowl that the brothers were fond of spending hours on their Nintendo 64 console. He recalled how they’d simultaneously pound on the controls and guzzle beers. They seemed to invent impromptu drinking games while gaming, and according to Tom, they were exceptionally skilled at it.

5. And suffice it to say, Travis is extremely proud of being a Bearcat.

He shared with reporters before the 2023 Super Bowl that it was all about Cincinnati for him. You see, he’s fiercely proud of his roots at the University of Cincinnati. After finally receiving his diploma, he makes a point to assist whenever possible. Whenever he can, he returns to the university. He misses being around his former teammates and the people he met during his time there who have consistently supported him through thick and thin.

When he found himself facing scrutiny from the NCAA, he asserted, “Those who were part of the university – the players, coaches, and staff – had faith that I could transform the situation and improve myself. This belief provided a significant boost during that challenging period.

6 years post-college draft, Travis finally secured his interdisciplinary studies degree in the year 2022. However, it wasn’t until April 2024 that he received his diploma during an unforeseen graduation ceremony. This special event coincided with them taping a live episode of New Heights at Cincinnati’s Fifth Third Arena.

As I proudly strode towards the dean with my hard-earned graduation beer in hand, my heart pounding with excitement, I couldn’t wait to accept his congratulations. With a firm handshake and a beaming smile, I seized the moment – popping open the can and downing its contents in one swift gulp, relishing every second of this well-deserved celebration.

And Travis was going to graduate in 2022 but he missed his flight.

7. Due mostly to his problems away from the field, Travis was selected as the fifth tight end in the 2013 NFL Draft, taken in the third round by the Chiefs. Subsequently, coach Andy Reid, who had previously coached Jason in Philadelphia, requested that the older Kelce sibling endorse Travis.

Andy and Travis have three Super Bowl rings to show for Jason’s endorsement.

8. For a long time, before each game, Travis would listen to the song “Burn On” by Randy Newman – his pre-game choice of music has evolved since then, though.

Speaking on the NBC Sports podcast “PFT Live” in 2017, he stated, “Being from the east side of Cleveland, this song takes me back to memories of family and makes me reflect on my life’s journey and how grateful I am for it.

Let us explain: It’s in the opening credits of Major League, the ultimate Cleveland sports movie.

9. Everyone, including Travis, is mispronouncing his last name.

Despite the fact that they’ve recently been accompanied by someone named Kelce, who seems to be pronounced as “Kel-see”, it shares a rhyme with the word “else”.

Travis’ teammate Chris Jones dropped a surprising statement about their situation on “Inside the NFL” in January, asking “Isn’t that insane?”. This claim was later verified when the brothers confronted their father Ed Kelce about it during an episode of their “New Heights” podcast.

Hey there, I can’t help but wonder, what on earth made you decide to change your name without a moment’s notice? It seems like we’ve been calling you Kel-see for the past 24 years… or should I say 27 years in my case and 25 years for Trav!

Ed admitted he “got tired of correcting people” but urged his son to “do whatever you want.”

10. The jersey number 87 that Travis has consistently worn during his NFL career is a homage to Jason, who was born in the year 1987.

Travis shared with NFL Films before the 2023 Super Bowl, which saw his Chiefs facing off against Jason’s Eagles, that if there is a Kelce legacy in the NFL, it can be traced back to 1987 as that was the year their football journey began because they both made it to the league, born being the big guy from that year.

As a dedicated lifestyle expert, I’ve proudly supported Operation Breakthrough, a remarkable learning center based in Kansas City, for quite some time now. This exceptional nonprofit has been part of my journey since my very first visit in 2015, where I had the pleasure of reading “The Cat in the Hat” to their wonderful kids.

Yes, reader, he wore the hat.

After that point, Travis put money into the Smart Lab through investment and purchased the neighboring old muffler shop for further development. This enabled them to establish the Ignition Lab, a place where young scholars transformed old automobiles destined for the scrapyard into functioning electric vehicles instead.

12. Travis and Jason affectionately label their listeners as “92 percenters,” a term derived from a previous comment by Jason stating that a specific play, the quarterback sneak, was successful approximately 92% of the time in scoring a touchdown when only one yard is required.

Apparently, fans delightedly named themselves as the “92 percenters,” as suggested by the podcast’s site. This was comparable to their private code or symbol, but expressed through language instead.

Who were the Kelce brothers to argue with that?

13. Travis is accompanied by three trainers – Alex Skacel, Andrew Spruill, and Laurence Justin Ng – who travel with him everywhere. As reported by The Athletic, one of these trainers stays with him to maintain his physical fitness for football throughout the entire year.

Alex, who is additionally a physical therapist, reminded himself about Travis expressing his wish to take an evening jog following a day filled with fashion shows during Paris Fashion Week, as he had not exercised on that particular day.

At midnight, our training sessions involve speed exercises across the bridges over the flowing river, as shared with The New York Times in April. This individual, no matter his location, always carves out time to accomplish what’s essential for him.

14. Kumar Ferguson, who’s been friends with Travis since their days in the fourth grade at Cleveland Heights, serves as his personal chef.

In 2016, he was a part-time chef and a truck driver by profession, when Travis contacted him with an offer for an opportunity.

In 2023, Kumar expressed to Vanity Fair, “He said something like, ‘Hey buddy, I’m committed to improving my diet and pushing it further,'” and I replied, “Wow, let’s make it happen. A few days after that, I found myself in Kansas City.

He has taken care of various tasks, ranging from filling up Travis’ refrigerator to providing nutritious meals at the Chiefs’ training center.

15. Due to increased scrutiny on his facial hair, Travis shared on New Heights that he chose to shave his off-season beard last year and only kept the mustache, a tribute to Andy Reid’s walrus look, in 2023. He plans to maintain this style again in 2024.

16. In April 2024, Travis secured a two-year contract worth $34.25 million, marking the initial time in his career that he became the highest-earning tight end in the NFL.

Which finally put an end to years of chatter about how much money he wasn’t making.

In 2023, Travis jokingly told Vanity Fair that his managers and agents often point out he’s underpaid. Whenever he discusses seeking a higher salary, their response is, “Perhaps you should approach the Chiefs about it!

However, as other financial opportunities became available to him, he began to value the atmosphere or feeling over the actual payment.

He put it this way: “The free market seems exciting until you find yourself not coming out on top, which isn’t my cup of tea. I enjoy success, and I appreciate where I am right now.

Admittedly, it can sting a bit to witness other players receiving large rewards. It tends to make one question whether they are being treated unfairly. I’m not sure if I would accelerate more if it would get me the compensation I think I deserve. However, I enjoy coming to that place daily.

17. Travis developed an interest in clothing at a young age while residing in Cleveland Heights, as his high school functioned more like a daily fashion show, according to what he shared with Vanity Fair in the year 2023.

Thus, by transforming his room into a walk-in closet, he could accommodate his luxury garments and over 300 sneakers – even a set of Nike Air Mags in size 13, which he bought using a significant portion of his initial year’s earnings, albeit they were slightly too small for him.

Previously, when there weren’t as many sneaker apps available, he shared with the Wall Street Journal, it was simply a matter of getting whichever size shoe I desired.

Although Nike gear is his primary choice (given that the company supports him), he has a special affection for Chuck Taylors too, as they evoke memories of the fictional baseball star Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez from the movie “The Sandlot“.

18. Among his dozens of investments, Travis co-owns Ohio-brewed Garage Beer with Jason.

In a statement made in June, Travis expressed that it’s common knowledge he enjoys having a few beers occasionally. He finds his role as the owner of Garage Beer and being deeply invested in creating top-notch light beer exhilarating. There’s nothing quite like an ice-cold beer to foster camaraderie, and for Travis and Jason, that’s what beer represents—friendship, family, and good times.

19. We’re sensing a theme when it comes to Travis’ guilty pleasure TV choices.

In the past, it was known as “Gossip Girl”: “To put it simply, it’s fantastic,” he expressed on “New Heights”. It’s essentially a TV series set in New York City high schools with plenty of drama, and most characters are constantly gossiping or speaking negatively about each other.

His new favorite show? Peacock’s Emmy-winning backstab-a-ganza The Traitors.

20. As he enters his 12th season in the NFL at the age of 35, Travis has become increasingly candid regarding the physical strain that the sport imposes on the body.

however, ever since his debut, he has endured numerous setbacks – beginning with a microfracture in his knee during his rookie season which necessitated the first of the ten surgical procedures he underwent throughout his professional career.

21. Travis openly shared an anecdote on the radio show, “New Heights,” detailing his unsuccessful effort to gift Taylor Swift a friendship bracelet bearing his phone number during her Eras Tour stop in Kansas City.

After learning from reliable sources within her circle of acquaintances (people who were aware of Travis and his desire to meet her), she reached out to him.

He shared with WSJ. Magazine that she clearly explained the situation to him, and fortunately, she chose to contact him.

22. For as long as anyone can remember, French toast smothered in whipped cream and syrup has been a beloved dessert of Travis’.

But more recently he’s become a fan of his girlfriend’s homemade Pop-Tarts and cinnamon rolls.

23. One of Travis’ phone tones features Chris Farley exclaiming “Good grief!” from the movie Tommy Boy.

He shared with WSJ. The Magazine that he had introduced his love for the comedy of Farley, Adam Sandler, and Will Ferrell to his girlfriend, stating, “This is what I’m passionate about.

24. Following their AFC Championship victory against the Bengals in 2019, Travis enthusiastically exclaimed “You’ve got to fight for your right to party!” This sparked the Chiefs to play the Beastie Boys’ song with the same title after every touchdown scored at Arrowhead Stadium during home games.

Brett Veach stated to ESPN in 2020 that Travis Kelce functions like a power amplifier – it’s challenging to put into words how significant this is. He possesses an extraordinary blend of character, charisma, and passion, drawing people towards him. In our team environment, everyone is friendly with Travis Kelce. He is not only a source of energy but also uplifts the spirits, concentration, and attention of everyone around him. At the end of the day, he remains entertaining.

As an ardent admirer, let me confess that while this vibrant personality had graced their life, they were unaware of the lyrics to the 1986 classic until they were challenged to perform it alongside Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show in February 2023.

25. Regarding his favorites, Travis mentioned in May 2024 that he really likes the songs “Blank Space,” “The Alchemy,” and “So High School” by Taylor. (Or) In May 2024, when asked about his favorite Taylor Swift songs, Travis named three: “Blank Space,” “The Alchemy,” and “So High School.”)

Inquired about it back in September, but by then, his response had shifted to something more enthusiastic: “I love them all equally – literally every single one!

26. Early comparisons were drawn between Travis and the esteemed Chiefs’ tight end Tony Gonzalez, who played for seventeen seasons in the league before retiring in 2013.

2015 saw an escalating discussion about whether he could indeed outshine Tony’s accomplishments, and the potential letdown if he fell short. Nevertheless, Travis chose to ignore these conversations.

He shared with Complex, “I hold myself to higher standards than anyone else does. I strive to achieve the most impressive statistical season a tight end has ever seen.

On September 29th, Travis took the lead as the Kansas City Chiefs’ record holder for most receptions, making catch number 917 his career-best.

Travis remarked on “New Heights” that it feels incredible to find himself leading the way with the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that’s been around since the ’60s and is one of the original organizations still thriving at their best. Much of this success can be attributed to their long-standing history and a great mentor like Tony Gonzalez. I truly admire him.

27. Of Travis’ many accomplishments, keeping his house in order on his own isn’t one of them.

“He can’t clean,” mom Donna Kelce told Extra in September. “He can’t cook.”

However, having someone special visiting might have given an additional push to ensure everything is neat and organized.

“He’s getting a little better,” Donna acknowledged. “I think he’s getting some help.”

2025-02-26 03:49

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