A lot has changed for Travis Kelce since he entered the NFL in 2013 as a third-round pick (63rd overall) out of Cincinnati.
Now a three-time Super Bowl champion, a future Hall of Famer, and arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, Kelce has become a household name—not just for his dominance on the football field, but also for his high-profile relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift.
However, a recently resurfaced photo from the 2013 NFL Draft has fans doing a double take.
The image, capturing a young, fresh-faced Kelce before the accolades, fame, and nearly $100 million in career earnings, left many in disbelief at how different the Chiefs’ star once looked.
From Unheralded Draft Pick to NFL Legend
Kelce’s rise to greatness didn’t happen overnight. After being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, he missed nearly all of his rookie season due to injury. But once he took the field, he wasted no time proving doubters wrong.
- By Year 3, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
- By Year 4, he was named to the first of his seven All-Pro teams.
- 12 seasons later, he is a three-time Super Bowl champion, a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, and widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Fans React to Kelce’s 2013 Draft Photo
With Kelce’s transformation in full display, fans flooded social media with reactions—many reflecting on just how far he has come.
“From pick 63 to legend status. Kelce’s been proving the doubters wrong since day one!”
“Best tight end in NFL history.”
“Proof that greatness isn’t about where you start, but where you finish.”
Some fans pointed out how much Kelce’s athleticism has improved over the years, with one user commenting:
“Damn. Travis Kelce looked so slow in college. Definitely improved that.”
Others had fun referencing NFL analyst Mike Mayock’s famous pre-draft quote, jokingly adding:
“He’s more athletic than people thought he was” – Mike Mayock (and also Taylor Swift).”
And of course, some fans were already bracing for the inevitable:
“His retirement is gonna hit me like a truck.”
What’s Next for Kelce? Another Run at a Super Bowl
Despite some speculation about his future, Kelce is set to return for at least one more season with the Chiefs after coming up short in Super Bowl LIX.
Last season, he caught 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games, helping Kansas City secure their third straight AFC Championship.
Now, as Kelce enters his 13th season, he’s not just chasing another ring—he’s adding to a legacy that started with an unassuming third-round pick and evolved into one of the greatest careers in NFL history.