Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has surprised fans with his secret love for Hallmark movies. In an episode of his “New Heights” podcast that aired on Wednesday, April 24, Kelce admitted to being a “dabbler” in the genre. The revelation came as Kelce, 34, chatted with friend and comedian Josh Santino. As the two discussed Santino’s wife’s love of Hallmark movies, Santino turned the question onto Kelce, asking, “Are you a Hallmark guy, Trav?”
Kelce responded, “I dabble now, yeah.” Fans were quick to point out that before Kelce started dating pop star Taylor Swift, he had said he didn’t watch TV or movies, which could mean that Swift, also 34, is the reason Kelce is now “a Hallmark guy.”
For Kelce, however, it’s more about hometown pride. The Chiefs veteran has been in Kansas City since 2013, winning three Super Bowls and helping rejuvenate the franchise. “Well, you like the cards, so you might as well like the movies,” Santino said. “I mean, I’ve been there for f–king 11 years. I see it all the time,” Kelce quipped, finally admitting he’s a “huge fan” of the Kansas City–based brand.
Whether Swift-inspired or not, Kelce’s interest in Hallmark movies opens some intriguing pathways for his eventual post-football career. With his brother Jason Kelce, 36, recently calling it quits in the NFL, the three-time champ must know he’s on the back end of his playing career. He’s already mastered podcasting as “New Heights” executive producer, and he also filled the same role for 2014 war dramedy “Operation Enduring Freedom.” Travis is reuniting with the team from that film to produce a documentary about artist Jeff Koons, he announced last month. So maybe one day we’ll see Travis creating Hallmark movies — or even acting in one. He previously said he’s “definitely interested” in acting opportunities when his playing days are over, citing his time on “Saturday Night Live” as inspiration.
“It was an experience that was like nothing else that I’ve ever gone through,” he said. “I just can’t thank them enough for giving me that opportunity, because I didn’t know I was going to enjoy scripted comedy, or that entire entertainment world as much as I did, until I was on a set and going through the week of preparation and stuff like that.”
Whether he’s inspired by Hallmark’s hometown charm or by his girlfriend’s love of the genre, Travis Kelce’s newfound appreciation for Hallmark movies is a testament to the enduring appeal of feel-good entertainment.
