Travis Kelce Almost Chose Basketball Over Football

The NFL star reveals he had a chance to play college basketball at West Virginia University before committing to the University of Cincinnati for football.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:24pm

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In a recent podcast episode, NFL star Travis Kelce discussed how he almost pursued a career in basketball over football. Kelce revealed that he had the opportunity to play basketball at West Virginia University, but ultimately decided to stick with his commitment to play football at the University of Cincinnati after a conversation with his father about the importance of keeping his word.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the career path of one of the NFL's top tight ends, Travis Kelce, and the pivotal moments that shaped his journey to becoming a professional football player. It highlights the difficult decisions elite athletes sometimes face in choosing between multiple sports at the collegiate level.

The details

Kelce explained that late in his high school career, he was considering playing basketball at West Virginia University rather than football at the University of Cincinnati, where he had already committed. However, after a discussion with his father, who emphasized the importance of keeping his word, Kelce ultimately decided to honor his commitment to Cincinnati and pursue football.

  • In 2007, Kelce was considering playing basketball at West Virginia University.
  • Kelce had already committed to play football at the University of Cincinnati.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 3-time Super Bowl champion and star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.

Jason Kelce

Travis Kelce's brother, who is also an NFL player and co-hosts a podcast with Travis.

Jerrod Calhoun

The college basketball coach who spoke with the Kelce brothers on their podcast.

Ed Kelsey

Travis and Jason Kelce's father, who advised Travis to honor his commitment to the University of Cincinnati.

Barry Egan

The high school basketball coach who had a connection with the University of Cincinnati and helped guide Travis Kelce's decision-making process.

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What they’re saying

“You are a man of your word. You want to be like these kids that that commit to a that commit to a university and then decommit, and now the integrity of your word doesn't mean anything.”

— Ed Kelsey, Travis and Jason Kelce's father

“You were a beast.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, College basketball coach

“I [still] was looking around for some basketball schools.”

— Travis Kelce, NFL star

What’s next

Kelce's decision to stick with football at Cincinnati ultimately paid off, as he went on to become a star tight end in the NFL and win multiple Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs. The story provides an interesting glimpse into the career path of one of the league's top players.

The takeaway

This story highlights the difficult choices elite athletes sometimes face in choosing between multiple sports at the collegiate level. Kelce's decision to honor his commitment to Cincinnati, despite his interest in basketball, demonstrates the importance of integrity and keeping one's word, even when presented with other opportunities.