Notable Cleveland native and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is primed for a big season after his record-breaking 2020 campaign.
Now in his ninth season with the team, Kelce is a foundational part of the championship-caliber offense that has set the league on fire in recent seasons. One of the most impactful players in the league both on and off the field, Kelce is a one-of-a-kind superstar at the NFL’s most underrated offensive position.
Even as a seasoned veteran with nearly a decade of experience, Kelce still seems to find the fun in the game and its spectacle, part of what has made him the icon he is. In comments to reporters after Wednesday’s practice, he noted his fervent anticipation of playing in front of a real crowd. When asked about his level of excitement for the matchup against the Browns, Kelce told reporters he feels well prepared and ready for Sunday’s action.
“We’ve got the base game plan in and just ready to rock ‘n roll man,” Kelce said. “(I am) ready to get out there in front of the fans and play a meaningful game.
“I’m just fired up to get out there and play,” He continued, “let alone get out there in front of Kansas City. We were lucky enough to have fans last year. We know it wasn’t full capacity, so it wasn’t what Arrowhead is usually, but at the same time, it’s just exciting to get out there and play a meaningful game. I think Arrowhead is going to show up and do their part. They always do”
For all the bravado and star-power gravitas Kelce sometimes shows when on camera and in comments to the media, he has always remained incredibly dedicated to his humble roots in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. From tweets to features on TV and countless charity events, Kelce always puts a spotlight on his hometown where his early legend was born. He’s done so without overshadowing how much he enjoys Kansas City, where he’s become a household name.
Kelce told the media that he always enjoys matchups against the Browns, and excepting the playoff game against them last season, this home opener has a special hype building behind it.
“Outside of last year’s playoff game, I feel like this has even more anticipation just because it’s the first game of the year.” Kelce explained, “We did meet up in the playoffs last year. The Browns have been getting a lot better over the years. Obviously, they’re a playoff team, they’re a championship-caliber team. We just have to go out there and be ourselves, man. Execute, do our things. I’m always fired up to play football. My first jersey was a Bernie Kosar Browns jersey, so I’m familiar with the area. I’ve just got a lot of love for the fans and family back home, but right now I’m a Chief baby and it’s Chiefs Kingdom.”
His excitement for the upcoming matchup was palpable and added to the flare of his signature machismo. Kelce seemed confident in a favorable result for himself and his teammates on Sunday. Kansas City bested Cleveland in their last meeting, the playoff game Kelce referenced in his comments, but only by the skin of their teeth due to an injury to Patrick Mahomes. If Kelce can manage a big performance against his former rooting interest, the game should be a win for the Chiefs to start their season.
