Travis Kelce Says He Considered Baseball as His ‘Plan B’: ‘I Could Really Swing the Bat’
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Travis Kelce, renowned for his stellar football career, had a backup plan that might surprise his fans: baseball. On the June 12 episode of the “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” podcast, the 34-year-old NFL star revealed that if football hadn’t worked out, he was ready to pursue a career in baseball.
During the episode, Jason Kelce, 36, highlighted his brother’s athletic versatility, noting that Travis excelled in multiple sports, including basketball and baseball. Jason even cited an old issue of The Athletic, which praised Travis’s potential as a baseball player.
“I know so many guys that played baseball that were also really good at football,” Travis responded, reflecting on the intersection of athletic skills across different sports.
When Jason asked whether Travis ever seriously considered baseball over other sports, Travis’s answer was enlightening. “It was always something in the back of my mind that I knew, like, I had a chance at if I wanted to give it a run,” he said. Travis elaborated on his confidence in his athleticism and skills, particularly his ability to throw and track a baseball in the outfield.
“It was always in the back of my mind that I had that as a plan B, which is why I tried to play in 2010 when I got kicked out of school or when I got kicked off the team for a little bit,” he continued. This revelation sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Travis’s life when he briefly considered pivoting to baseball during a tumultuous period in his college years.
Despite his potential in baseball, Travis admitted that he struggled to “find a love of the game.” However, he did attract interest from scouts, signaling that he had the option to pursue baseball if he chose to do so.
Ultimately, Travis’s decision to stick with football has undeniably paid off. His achievements with the Kansas City Chiefs include winning three Super Bowls in 2020, 2023, and 2024. In November, he became the all-time leading receiver in the history of the Chiefs franchise, surpassing Tony Gonzalez’s previous record with a total of 10,941 receiving yards.
Travis’s success on the field has also brought him notable moments off the field. Following the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVIII, he and his teammates visited the White House for the second consecutive year on May 31. During the visit, Travis playfully approached the presidential podium, recalling his viral moment from 2023 when he attempted to speak after presenting President Joe Biden with a Chiefs jersey.
Reflecting on his journey, it’s clear that Travis Kelce’s decision to pursue football over baseball was the right one. His remarkable career and contributions to the sport have cemented his legacy as one of the NFL’s greats, while his foray into podcasting with his brother Jason offers fans a glimpse into the personal stories and decisions that shaped his path.