Why is Travis Kelce Not Playing? Where is Travis Kelce Today?
by Sangamithra
Updated Jan 08, 2024
Why is Travis Kelce Not Playing?
Travis Kelce is not playing in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a coaching decision by the Kansas City Chiefs. The team, already secured as the third seed in the AFC with a 10-6 record, chose to rest key starters, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, as part of a strategic approach before the playoffs. Kelce, just 16 receiving yards away from achieving another 1000-yard season, will miss the opportunity due to this coaching decision.
Despite a slightly below-average season by his standards, with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games, the Chiefs value the rest for Kelce in Week 18 to ensure he is fresh for the upcoming playoffs. The Chiefs, though uncertain about their Wild Card Round opponent, are expected to make a strong playoff run despite offensive challenges during the regular season.
At Fresherslive, our mission is to bridge the gap between news and readers, making current events and trending stories easily digestible for your convenience. We strive to provide you with the latest scoop on global happenings.
Who is Travis Kelce?
Travis Kelce is a prominent American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Kelce played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats before being drafted by the Chiefs in 2013 (Round 3, Pick 63). With an impressive career, he's a two-time Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII), a nine-time Pro Bowler, and a four-time first-team All-Pro.
Kelce holds several NFL records, including seven consecutive seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards and the most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end (1,416 in 2020). Known as one of the greatest tight ends, he was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Beyond football, Kelce co-hosts the podcast "New Heights" with his brother Jason, and his popularity increased due to his relationship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.
Full Name
Travis Michael Kelce
Date of Birth
October 5, 1989
Birthplace
Westlake, Ohio, U.S.
Position
Tight End
Current Team
Kansas City Chiefs
NFL Debut
2013 NFL Draft, Round 3, Pick 63
College
University of Cincinnati
Height
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight
250 lb (113 kg)
Super Bowl Wins
LIV, LVII
Pro Bowls
9 (2015–2023)
All-Pro Selections
4 First-team (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022)
Travis Kelce's Early Life
Travis Kelce, born on October 5, 1989, hails from Westlake, Ohio. His dad, Ed, works in steel sales, and his mom, Donna, is a bank executive. His older brother, Jason Kelce, plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Travis attended Cleveland Heights High School, showcasing his athletic talent in football, basketball, and baseball. Football stood out for him, earning three letters as quarterback.
In his senior year, he gained All-Lake Erie League honors, amassing 2,539 total offensive yards. His impressive stats included 1,016 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 1,523 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2007. This solidified Kelce's foundation as a standout athlete from an early age.
Travis Kelce Career
Travis Kelce, born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio, is a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. Growing up with a football background, his older brother, Jason, also played professionally for the Philadelphia Eagles. Travis attended Cleveland Heights High School, showcasing his athleticism in football, basketball, and baseball. After accepting a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, Kelce faced some challenges, including a suspension for a failed drug test.
However, he rebounded in his final collegiate season, earning accolades for his outstanding performance. In the 2013 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the third round. Kelce quickly made an impact in the NFL, overcoming early injuries to become a key player for the Chiefs. He signed a significant contract extension in 2016 and continued to break records, including multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Kelce played a crucial role in the Chiefs' success, contributing to their Super Bowl victories in LIV and LVII. Known for his dynamic skills, Kelce set numerous records for a tight end, including a single-season yardage record in 2020. He maintained remarkable consistency, achieving seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Kelce's career highlights also include Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His impact extends beyond the field, with involvement in charity work and appearances in Super Bowls, making him one of the NFL's most accomplished and recognized players.
Travis Kelce Age
Travis Kelce was born on October 5, 1989, making him currently 34 years old. The star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs has had a prolific career, earning accolades such as Super Bowl victories, Pro Bowl selections, and All-Pro honors.
Despite his age, Kelce continues to be a dominant force in the NFL, consistently setting records for tight ends and contributing significantly to the success of the Chiefs. His athleticism, skill, and leadership on and off the field make him a key figure in the league at 34 years of age.
Travis Kelce Net Worth
Travis Kelce, the talented tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, boasts an estimated net worth of $40 million in 2024. While this places him among the wealthy in the world, his earnings fall short compared to top quarterbacks.
For instance, Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback and the NFL's highest-paid QB, signed a substantial five-year contract worth $255 million with an average annual value of $51 million. Although comparing contracts can be tricky, Hurts' deal is approximately four times more lucrative than Kelce's, showcasing the significant wealth gap between positions in professional football.
Travis Kelce Stats
Year
Team
Games
Receiving
Rushing
Fumbles
GP
GS
Rec
Yds
Y/R
Lng
TD
Att
Yds
Y/A
Lng
TD
Fum
Lost
2013
KC
1
0
0
0
—
0
0
0
0
—
0
0
0
0
2014
KC
16
11
67
862
12.9
34
5
0
0
—
0
0
4
3
2015
KC
16
16
72
875
12.2
42
5
0
0
—
0
0
2
2
2016
KC
16
15
85
1,125
13.2
80T
4
1
−5
−5.0
−5
0
0
0
2017
KC
15
15
83
1,038
12.5
44
8
2
7
3.5
4
0
0
0
2018
KC
16
16
103
1,336
13.0
43
10
0
0
—
0
0
2
1
2019
KC
16
16
97
1,229
12.7
47
5
1
4
4.0
4T
1
1
1
2020
KC
15
15
105
1,416
13.5
45
11
0
0
—
0
0
1
1
2021
KC
16
16
92
1,125
12.2
69
9
2
3
1.5
4T
1
1
1
2022
KC
17
17
110
1,338
12.2
52
12
2
5
2.5
4
0
1
1
2023
KC
15
15
93
984
10.6
53
5
0
0
—
0
0
1
1
Career
159
152
907
11,328
12.5
80T
74
8
14
1.8
4T
2
13
11
Where is Travis Kelce Today?
Travis Kelce is not playing in today's game against the Los Angeles Chargers as part of a coaching decision by the Kansas City Chiefs. It's a common practice in the NFL to rest key players in the final regular-season game, especially when the team has already secured a playoff spot. Kelce, who recently made headlines for dating popstar Taylor Swift, concludes the regular season with impressive stats, including 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns.
Why is Travis Kelce Not Playing - FAQs
Travis Kelce is inactive in Week 18 against the Chargers due to a coaching decision by the Kansas City Chiefs, strategically resting key starters, including Patrick Mahomes, ahead of the playoffs.
Travis Kelce's estimated net worth in 2024 is $40 million, a substantial figure, though not reaching the heights of top quarterbacks in the league.
The Chiefs opted to rest key starters, including Travis Kelce, in Week 18 to ensure player health and readiness for the upcoming playoffs, with their third seed in the AFC already secured.
Travis Kelce had an impressive streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, showcasing his consistent performance as a star tight end.
Travis Kelce last missed a regular-season game in 2020, also against the Chargers, when the Chiefs had already secured their playoff spot.