Why Travis Kelce introduced himself as ‘Charles’ growing up
Travis Kelce.
JC Olivera/Getty ImagesJason Kelce revealed that his brother, Travis Kelcehad a special nickname for himself growing up.
“He was a crazy guy; I think we were both pretty reckless when there was snow in Cleveland,” Jason, 37, said of Travis, 35, on ESPN’s NFL Postseason Countdown before the Kansas City Chiefs played the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 18. “He also told the whole block his name was Charles.”
Jason explained that the Chief tight end gave himself the nickname in honor of one of his favorite athletes. “His favorite basketball player was Charles BarkelJason commented.
It wasn’t until years later that the family learned that Travis had a different name when he introduced himself to their neighbors.
See if you can guess which Kelce brother is used to the KC weather pic.twitter.com/9nMYC8SNe2
— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 18, 2025
“We found out at a block party because all the other parents were like, ‘There goes Charles,’” Jason said. “That’s the kind of kid Travis was. He has certainly always lived up to his sporting idols.”
Following Jason’s confession, Travis and the Chiefs defeated the Texans 23-14 and advanced to the AFC Championship game later this month against the Buffalo Bills. The AFC title champion will represent the conference in the 2025 Super Bowl against the NFC division winner, which will be either the Washington Commanders or the Philadelphia Eagles.
Travis and Jason Kelce have already discussed the story behind their last names, but Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones is only now coming to terms with it. “So y’all know it’s not even Travis Kelce [Kelsey]?” the Chiefs defensive tackle,29, said in an Inside the NFL clip filmed on the sidelines of the Chiefs vs. […]
While Travis idolized Barkley growing up, the former NBA star revealed that he also looked up to a boy at his school — who happened to be named Travis. During a performance at Travis and Jason’s “New heights” podcast, Barkley, 61, explained his previous desire to change his name.
“He was great right out of high school,” Barkley said on an August 2023 episode of basketball player Travis. “So everyone loved Travis. But I was named after my grandfather. When I started getting better at basketball, I said, “Mom, how about I change my name to Travis?” She says, “What the hell are you talking about?” … She says, ‘That’s your grandfather’s name.’ And I said, ‘Yes, and he’s nobody!’
Barkley said he “loves” the name Travis. “You should be able to play something if your name is Travis,” Barkley said, to which Jason replied, “That’s a bad name. For the most part.”
After the former Eagles center asked if Barkley had thought of the name Jason, the former NBA star replied, “No.”
