In a surprising revelation, Travis Kelce shared that during the 2013 NFL Draft, he hoped the Cleveland Browns would select him instead of the Kansas City Chiefs, who ultimately picked him 63rd overall. This revelation comes just before the 2025 NFL season, as Kelce continues to be a dominant force in the league and his Travis Kelce NFL Draft Story gains renewed attention.
Travis Kelce, an Ohio native, has been a central figure for the Chiefs for over a decade, amassing more than 1,000 receptions for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns. His career includes three Super Bowl victories, ten Pro Bowl selections, and multiple NFL postseason records. His impact on the field has made him a near-certain future inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Despite all his success with Kansas City, Kelce revealed in a recent interview with GQ that he wanted to play for his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns. He vividly recalled an emotional moment with then-Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski, where he passionately expressed his commitment to the city.
“I cried in [Chudzinski’s] office and said, ‘I will f—ing die for this city!’ I literally was in tears,”
Kelce told GQ.
“I said, ‘I’m sorry I’m getting emotional. I grew up down the street. I would f—ing do anything to play for the Cleveland Browns.’ He looked at me like I was insane. I don’t think he’d ever had somebody just pour out their emotions.”
While the Browns ultimately passed on Kelce, the Chiefs’ decision to draft him has been widely praised in hindsight. Kelce’s legacy in Kansas City includes a key role in multiple Super Bowl runs and a lasting influence on the franchise’s success.
As the 2025 season approaches, Kelce remains a prominent figure on and off the field. Beyond football, he recently appeared on the cover of GQ’s September issue, where he discussed his career and his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift.
Kelce’s heartfelt admission about wanting to play for Cleveland underscores the unpredictability of the NFL Draft and how player destinies can hinge on such moments. Regardless of where he was drafted, his remarkable achievements have solidified him as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.