Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, widely regarded as one of the best at his position in NFL history, has never been shy about his admiration for the legends of the game. Recently, during an interview on his podcast “New Heights,” co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis revealed the surprising identity of the NFL rival he “used to dream about being like.”
The Revelation
When asked about his inspirations and role models growing up, Kelce didn’t hesitate to name former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski as a major influence on his career.
“I used to dream about being like Gronk,” Kelce admitted. “The way he played the game—so dominant, so physical, and always having fun while doing it. He made it look easy, but you knew how much work he put in to be that great.”
A Tight End Icon
Rob Gronkowski, affectionately known as “Gronk,” is a four-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection. Known for his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, Gronkowski set the standard for what a modern tight end could achieve in the NFL. He retired as one of the all-time greats at the position, leaving a lasting impact on players like Kelce who followed in his footsteps.
“Watching Gronk’s highlights when I was coming up, it was like, ‘Man, I want to do that,’” Kelce said. “I wanted to be the guy who could block, catch touchdowns, and celebrate with the same energy. He showed that you could be a complete player and still have fun doing it.”
Kelce’s Own Legacy
While Kelce may have idolized Gronkowski, he’s carved out his own remarkable legacy. A two-time Super Bowl champion and an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Kelce has redefined the tight end position in his own way. His ability to rack up receiving yards, break tackles, and create mismatches against defenders has made him a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
Currently holding the record for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards by a tight end, Kelce’s dominance has drawn comparisons to Gronkowski and other greats like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. Yet, Kelce remains humble, crediting his predecessors for inspiring his journey.
Mutual Respect
Interestingly, the admiration between Kelce and Gronkowski isn’t one-sided. Over the years, Gronkowski has spoken highly of Kelce’s talents, praising his route-running and ability to make plays in critical moments. The two have often been mentioned in debates about the greatest tight ends of all time, with both players earning their place in the conversation.
Looking Ahead
As Kelce continues to build his legacy, his acknowledgment of Gronkowski’s influence is a testament to the impact one player can have on another. It’s a reminder that even the brightest stars in the NFL were once young athletes looking up to their heroes, dreaming of one day making their own mark on the game.
Whether catching touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes or hosting his popular podcast, Kelce continues to embody the qualities that once inspired him in Gronkowski—dominance, versatility, and a love for the game.
