The Kelce brothers had been in the NFL for a decade, but their performance in Super Bowl 57 blew the league away.
Since then, Travis and Jason’s popularity has grown dramatically. The duo’s “New Heights” podcast has become one of the most popular player-hosted podcasts on the internet, and Travis’ friendship with Taylor Swift has become a favorite topic among Swifties all over the world.
With Jason Kelce’s runner-up nomination for People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” award, the Kelces are everywhere.
Still, it’s crucial to remember that everyone rose to prominence due to their football talent. Jason has been a Hall of Fame center for virtually his entire career, while Travis is regarded by some as the greatest tight end in NFL history.
But were the two always so highly touted? Not precisely. In reality, both were poorly regarded prospects entering college. They all matured well in school and went on to become famous NFL players.
Both of the Kelce brothers played their college football at Cincinnati. Neither was a highly-touted recruit, but then-coach Brian Kelly saw enough in each to bring them aboard, Jason as a walk-on in 2006 and Travis a two-star recruit in 2008.
Each of the Kelce brothers spent five seasons at Cincinnati. Jason was there from 2006-10, playing four years for Kelly and one for Butch Jones. Travis was there from 2008-12 and saw most of his action playing under Jones.
Travis Kelce’s college career wasn’t as prolific as one might expect considering he is one of the greatest tight ends of all time. There is a simple explanation for that.
Kelce didn’t play much during his first two years at Cincinnati. He redshirted in 2008 and then played sparingly in 2009, serving largely as a Wildcat quarterback in his limited action.
But just when Kelce was starting to earn more of a role in the Cincinnati offense, he was suspended for the entire 2010 season after failing a drug test. He stayed at the school and worked hard to win back Jones’ trust. He eventually did that and enjoyed his breakout during the 2012 college football season.
