Travis Kelce Embraces 'Big Yeti' Nickname After Historic Game

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, fully embraced his "Big Yeti" moniker following a standout performance at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs secured a 28-7 victory over the Washington Commanders on October 27, with Kelce tying the franchise record for most touchdowns in a game.

After the game, Kelce joined ESPN's Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter, where a lively crowd remained to witness the interview. Among them was a shirtless fan adorned with body paint of Kelce's jersey. When the camera panned to the fan, Kelce quipped, “That’s actually what I look like too, man. Just as furry, just as furry.”

The nickname "Big Yeti" originated during Kelce's college days at the University of Cincinnati, a nod to his notably hairy physique. As he spoke with Van Pelt, Kelce reflected on the significance of the home win while contemplating his future in the NFL.

“I just cherish these moments, man,” he expressed. “Coming out here, being able to play in front of Chiefs Kingdom at Arrowhead. This place is special, man. I love it here.”

With a 10-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kelce tied Chiefs legend Priest Holmes for the most touchdown catches in franchise history. He now looks ahead to the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills on November 2, where he has the opportunity to break the record.

“In terms of the historical stuff, man, I’m still looking at the next game and looking at the next catch and trying to get better every single day,” Kelce noted. “I think I’ll look back at it and appreciate it.”

For now, he remains grateful for his continued presence on the field and his role as a leader within the organization. “I’m just the old lucky dog that’s still able to do this thing, man,” he said with a grin. “I’m putting on the pads like I’m 15 years old again, man. I’m loving every single bit of it.”

Van Pelt also brought up Kelce’s fiancée, Taylor Swift, who previously referred to him as “a human exclamation point” during an episode of his podcast. Swift was present at the game as well.

Kelce shared a piece of wisdom from an old coach: “You’re either a fountain or you’re a drain, baby. Either you’re giving me life or you’re taking it out of me.” He emphasized his desire to uplift those around him while maintaining a fun atmosphere at work.

In separate postgame remarks, quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised Kelce’s influence on the Chiefs organization. “He’s the true Chiefs Chief,” Mahomes stated. “He has been here through the whole thing... He helped set the culture of what it means to play for coach Reid and to play in Kansas City.”

Mahomes added, “He’s breaking all the records now and he’s all about the team, so I want to make sure that he gets that and hopefully we can get another football for him later in the season after he actually breaks the record.”