Before the Super Bowl, Travis Kelce remembers being recruited by Tennessee.

Before Travis Kelce became one of the most dominant tight ends in the NFL, helping to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances and earning numerous accolades along the way, he was just a talented high school athlete trying to make his mark in the world of college football. A standout at Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio, Kelce’s path to NFL stardom was not a straightforward one. While Kelce would go on to attend the University of Cincinnati, his recruitment process involved several twists and turns, including a brief connection with the University of Tennessee, which Kelce has reflected on in recent years.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Travis Kelce’s recruitment journey, his brief connection to Tennessee, and how that experience shaped his perspective as he later became a household name in the NFL. We’ll also explore the significance of Kelce’s ties to Tennessee football, how his time in the recruiting process influenced his path, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Early Life and High School Success

Travis Kelce was born in Westlake, Ohio, on October 5, 1989. The son of Ed and Donna Kelce, Travis grew up in a sports-centric family with a brother, Jason Kelce, who would also go on to achieve NFL stardom as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Both brothers excelled in athletics from an early age, with Travis primarily focusing on football and basketball during his high school years.

At Cleveland Heights High School, Kelce’s natural athleticism stood out. A star on the football field, he was known for his versatility and ability to make plays all over the field. As a tight end and quarterback, Kelce was a dual-threat player who could line up in various positions. His combination of size, speed, and hands made him a mismatch for defenders, and it wasn’t long before college programs began to take notice of his potential.

By the time Kelce was nearing his senior year, college recruiters from all over the country were interested in offering him a scholarship. As with many top high school recruits, Kelce had multiple options on the table. His recruitment process was marked by his natural talent, strong performances at camps, and word of mouth from high school coaches and scouts.

The Tennessee Volunteers and Early Interest

One of the schools that took a strong interest in Travis Kelce was the University of Tennessee. The Volunteers had a storied football program and were a perennial contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under head coach Lane Kiffin, Tennessee was in the midst of rebuilding and making a push to return to national prominence.

The Tennessee coaching staff recognized Kelce’s talent early in his recruitment, and the Vols saw a player who could fit their system and add depth to their offense. At the time, Tennessee had a history of developing NFL-caliber talent, and recruiting players like Kelce was part of their effort to rebuild a program that could compete at the highest level of college football. Kelce’s skill set as a tight end made him an attractive prospect, as Tennessee had a need for an athletic and versatile player who could line up in multiple spots on the field.

Despite Tennessee’s interest, Kelce’s recruitment journey was complicated by several factors, not the least of which was his eventual decision to attend the University of Cincinnati. Ultimately, Kelce chose to stay closer to home and join the Cincinnati Bearcats, where he would have the opportunity to develop his game in a familiar environment.

Why Kelce Chose Cincinnati Over Tennessee

While Tennessee was one of the top contenders for Kelce’s services, he ultimately decided to commit to Cincinnati. Several factors played a role in his decision, including his comfort level with the coaching staff and the opportunity to make an immediate impact at Cincinnati.

For Kelce, the decision to attend Cincinnati was based on his strong relationship with the coaching staff and the opportunity to play in a system that would allow him to showcase his skills. Cincinnati’s head coach at the time, Brian Kelly, was building a program that emphasized up-tempo offense and showcased dynamic athletes in multiple roles. Kelce felt that the Bearcats would offer him the best opportunity to play early and develop his game in an offense that suited his strengths.

While Tennessee’s offer was appealing, Kelce’s decision to stay closer to home and join Cincinnati ultimately provided him with the best balance of playing time and development. The Bearcats’ rising football program had also been competitive within the Big East Conference, which offered Kelce the chance to compete in high-level games while also staying near his family and friends in Ohio.

Kelce’s time at Cincinnati would prove to be a pivotal chapter in his career. After spending his first few years with the Bearcats as a standout tight end, Kelce would go on to become one of the most productive players at his position, setting the stage for a future NFL career. But throughout this time, Kelce maintained the perspective that his decision to choose Cincinnati was ultimately the right one for him, even as Tennessee remained a strong program in his recruitment process.

The Recruitment Process: What It Taught Kelce

Looking back on his recruitment journey, Kelce has reflected on the valuable lessons he learned along the way. While Tennessee played an important role in his recruitment, Kelce’s decision-making process was shaped by a broader understanding of what it means to find the right fit for both his athletic and personal development.

1. The Importance of Fit and Relationships

One of the key takeaways from Kelce’s recruitment experience was the importance of finding the right fit, both in terms of playing style and relationships with coaches. Although Tennessee’s offer was enticing, Kelce ultimately made the decision to go to Cincinnati because he felt he could develop in a system that suited his playing style, while also fostering strong relationships with the coaching staff. This decision would ultimately prove critical in his development as a player and as an individual.

In retrospect, Kelce has often talked about how the trust he developed with his college coaching staff was a big factor in his success. He was able to make an impact early in his career at Cincinnati, which helped to lay the foundation for his future NFL career. For many recruits, the bonds they form with coaches during the recruitment process are just as important as the program itself. Kelce’s experience highlights the importance of finding a program that aligns with your values and playing style.

2. Personal Growth and Development

Kelce’s journey also reinforced the idea that the college football recruiting process is about more than just the final decision; it’s about personal growth and learning what it takes to succeed at the next level. Kelce didn’t just choose Cincinnati for football reasons; he also chose it for personal reasons. He wanted to stay close to home, and he wanted to feel comfortable and supported in his development both as an athlete and as a person. College is an environment where players not only develop on the field but also mature off the field, and Kelce’s decision to choose Cincinnati reflects a level of maturity and self-awareness that would serve him well in the future.

3. A Long-Term Perspective

Finally, Kelce’s recruitment experience taught him the value of keeping a long-term perspective. While his decision to attend Cincinnati over Tennessee may have seemed like a small decision at the time, it would end up being a major factor in his future success. Instead of focusing solely on immediate glory or prestige, Kelce took a broader view of his future and focused on what would allow him to develop and reach his full potential.

This mindset would be a cornerstone of Kelce’s NFL career. As a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce would go on to become one of the most consistent and dynamic players in the league, earning multiple Pro Bowls, All-Pro selections, and Super Bowl victories. Kelce’s approach to his recruitment and career path is an example for future athletes to prioritize long-term growth and development over immediate gratification.

Travis Kelce Today: A Super Bowl Champion and a Leader in the NFL

Fast forward to the present day, and Travis Kelce is no longer a young recruit wondering which program to join. He is a star NFL player, widely regarded as one of the best tight ends to ever play the game. With multiple Super Bowl appearances under his belt and a reputation as one of the most reliable and dynamic playmakers in the league, Kelce’s success has been built on the lessons he learned during his college recruitment process.

Though his decision to attend Cincinnati over Tennessee may not have been the most talked-about moment in his career, it played a crucial role in shaping his development as both a player and a person. Kelce’s connection to Tennessee, and his reflection on that time, serves as a reminder that recruitment is not just about choosing the biggest or most prestigious program, but about finding the environment that allows a player to flourish.

As Kelce reflects on his journey, he knows that his path—while unconventional in some ways—was one that ultimately helped him achieve his dreams. And as he continues to be one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL, Travis Kelce’s story remains a testament to the importance of making decisions that align with personal growth, development, and long-term success.