12 Years Ago Today: The Chiefs Drafted Travis Kelce—A Legacy in the Making

On April 27, 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs made a decision that would alter the trajectory of their franchise: they selected Travis Kelce, a tight end from the University of Cincinnati, with the 63rd overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. Today, April 27, 2025, marks exactly 12 years since that pivotal moment, and reflecting on Kelce’s journey reveals just how monumental that draft choice became. From a relatively unheralded prospect to a future Hall of Famer, Kelce’s impact on the Chiefs, the NFL, and football culture at large has been nothing short of extraordinary.

The Draft Day That Changed Everything

In 2013, the Chiefs were coming off a dismal 2-14 season, desperate for talent to turn their fortunes around. Under new head coach Andy Reid, who had just arrived from Philadelphia, the team was looking to rebuild with players who could fit his innovative offensive system. Travis Kelce, a 6’5”, 260-pound tight end with a basketball background, caught their eye. Despite concerns about his off-field behavior—Kelce had been suspended for the entire 2010 season at Cincinnati due to a failed drug test—he showcased undeniable talent, recording 45 receptions for 722 yards and 8 touchdowns in his senior year.

The Chiefs took a chance on Kelce with the 63rd pick, a selection that didn’t generate much buzz at the time. NFL.com’s draft profile gave him a modest grade of 70.8, projecting him as a “priority free agent” rather than a guaranteed star. Analysts noted his size, speed (a 4.61-second 40-yard dash), and versatility but flagged his “character concerns” and lack of elite blocking skills. Little did anyone know that this third-round pick would become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

A Slow Start, Then a Meteoric Rise

Kelce’s rookie season in 2013 was a non-starter—he suffered a knee injury during training camp and spent the year on injured reserve, undergoing microfracture surgery. At the time, some wondered if the Chiefs had taken a gamble that wouldn’t pay off. But Kelce returned in 2014 with a chip on his shoulder, ready to prove his worth. His breakout came swiftly: in his first full season, he recorded 67 receptions for 862 yards and 5 touchdowns, showcasing the athleticism and playmaking ability that would define his career.

What followed was a decade of dominance. From 2016 to 2022, Kelce recorded seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, a feat unmatched by any other tight end in NFL history. His connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who joined the Chiefs in 2017, became the stuff of legend. Kelce’s ability to find open spaces, make contested catches, and turn short passes into big gains made him a nightmare for defenses. By 2025, Kelce has amassed 11,328 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns over his career, placing him fourth all-time among tight ends in yardage, behind only Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, and Antonio Gates.

Super Bowl Glory and Cultural Impact

Kelce’s on-field success translated into team achievements. Since his arrival, the Chiefs have become a perennial powerhouse, reaching the AFC Championship Game seven years in a row (2018–2024) and winning three Super Bowls (LIV, LVII, and LVIII). Kelce played a pivotal role in each victory, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in 2023 with 6 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. His iconic “Beast Mode” celebration after scoring in Super Bowl LVII—roaring into the camera while wearing his now-famous No. 87 jersey—became a defining image of the Chiefs’ dynasty.

Off the field, Kelce’s charisma has made him a cultural icon. His podcast New Heights, co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, a former Philadelphia Eagles center, has become a fan favorite, blending football insights with humor and personal anecdotes. The podcast, which launched in 2022, hit new heights in 2023 when Travis began dating pop superstar Taylor Swift, a relationship that brought unprecedented attention to the NFL. Swift’s appearances at Chiefs games, often wearing Kelce’s jersey, sparked a 400% surge in his jersey sales and boosted female viewership of NFL games by 9%, according to a 2024 Nielsen report.

Kelce’s influence extends beyond football and entertainment. His “87 & Running” foundation has raised millions for underprivileged youth in Kansas City, funding programs like after-school sports and mentorship initiatives. In 2024, he hosted his annual Kelce Jam music festival, drawing 20,000 fans to celebrate with live performances and community outreach, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in the city.

The 2025 Season and Beyond

At 35 years old in the 2025 season, Kelce remains a vital part of the Chiefs’ offense, even as he navigates the latter stages of his career. Through the first 12 games of the 2025 regular season, he has recorded 62 receptions for 743 yards and 5 touchdowns, proving he can still perform at an elite level. While he’s no longer the focal point of the passing game—younger players like Xavier Worthy have taken on larger roles—Kelce’s veteran presence and football IQ make him invaluable. Andy Reid recently praised him, saying, “Travis is the heart of this team. His energy, his leadership—it’s what keeps us going.”

Looking ahead, Kelce’s legacy is secure. He’s widely regarded as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, with analysts like ESPN’s Adam Schefter noting, “Kelce redefined the tight end position. He’s a generational talent.” His impact on the Chiefs is undeniable: since 2013, the team has transformed from a struggling franchise into a dynasty, with Kelce as a cornerstone alongside Mahomes and Reid. Fans on X have been celebrating the 12-year anniversary of his draft day, with posts like, “Travis Kelce at 63rd overall might be the steal of the century. What a legend! 🙌 #ChiefsKingdom.”

A Journey No One Could Have Predicted

Twelve years ago, the selection of Travis Kelce at No. 63 overall barely made headlines. Today, it’s clear that the Chiefs struck gold with a player who would become a nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro, and three-time Super Bowl champion. Kelce’s journey—from a third-round pick with off-field questions to a global icon—embodies resilience, talent, and heart. His partnership with Mahomes has produced some of the most memorable moments in recent NFL history, and his off-field endeavors have made him a role model for millions.

As we mark this 12-year milestone, Chiefs fans can only marvel at what Kelce has achieved—and what’s still to come. Whether he’s breaking records, hoisting Lombardi Trophies, or inspiring the next generation, Travis Kelce’s legacy is a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and a little bit of draft-day magic. Here’s to No. 87, a player who turned a third-round selection into a first-class legacy.