Here’s How Travis Kelce Went From Third-Round Pick to Best Tight End in the NFL

Coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach have transformed Kansas City Chiefs into consistent Super Bowl contenders over the last couple of years.

They ended their wait for an elusive Lombardi Trophy last season as they beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl LIV. A reason behind the Chiefs’ dominance in recent years is the performance of QB Patrick Mahomes, WRs Sammy Watkins, Tyreek Hill, and TE Travis Kelce.

Kelce, in particular, has turned into a fine player over the last 7 years. The 2020 season has been one to remember. He overtook George Kittle for the most yardage (for a tight end) in a single season with 1,416 receiving yards.

Kittle previously held the record with 1,377 yards. In addition to that, the Chiefs tight end also has the most consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving by a tight end (5).

But what if Travis had never made it to the NFL? Would KC still be Super Bowl champions? Let’s take a look at the Travis Kelce NFL Draft journey.

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Travis Kelce joins the Chiefs as a 3rd-round pick in 2013

Travis Kelce was considered a 2-star recruit after graduating from Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio. The promising youngster eventually accepted an offer from the University of Cincinnati in 2008.

He turned down the likes of Akron, Eastern Michigan, and Miami (OH) to play alongside his brother Jason Kelce who was the starting left guard for the Bearcats.

He did not feature in his rookie season and was suspended in his sophomore year after testing positive for Marijuana. Kelce returned in 2011 determined to make a mark in his junior year. It’s safe to say that he did not disappoint.

He had a career-best season in 2012, finishing the year with 722 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. He was also bestowed with the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year.

The Chiefs had just signed HC Andy Reid on a long-term deal ahead of the 2013 NFL draft. The veteran coach was already familiar with the Kelce family, having drafted Jason Kelce while working for the Philadelphia Eagles.

They took a gamble and brought in Travis as a 3rd-round pick (63rd overall). Travis signed a 4-year, $3.12 million rookie contract with a signing bonus of $703,304 and the rest, as they say, is history.

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George Kittle vs Travis Kelce – Who is the best tight end in the NFL?

San Francisco 49ers made George Kittle the highest-paid tight end in the NFL last year. He signed a 5-year contract extension worth $75 million in the offseason.

The Niners rewarded Kittle, who put in a record-breaking performance last year. He set the record for yardage by a tight end (1,377).

But after overtaking Kittle earlier this year, Kelce now holds the record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season (1,416). Both players are in their prime and play for 2 of the best-coached teams in the league.

However, it must be noted that the pair have a cordial relationship off the field. They have great mutual respect between themselves and other tight ends in the league.

They are leaders in their respective locker rooms and are well respected across the league. But at present, Kelce can be considered as the more dominant of the pair. After all, he is in line to win his 2nd Championship ring while Kittle has none.

But all that can change in 2021, so let’s hope we get to see many more enticing battles between these two giants of the game.

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