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Travis Kelce Earns New Nickname Amid 13th NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 7:15 AM ET

Travis Kelce's 13th NFL season has featured the Kansas City Chiefs tight end at his best. Though the Chiefs have struggled to a 6-6 record heading into Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, Kelce has been the top pass catcher for longtime quarterback Patrick Mahomes. His 59 catches for 719 receiving yards and five touchdowns lead the team in each category.

After watching him win three Super Bowls, make 10 straight Pro Bowls and break the franchise record for total touchdowns, fans know what to expect from Kelce. When the 36-year-old was named as the Chiefs' club winner for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award on Thursday, it was not even his first time getting that prestigious honor.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

However, the big announcement did result in something new for the NFL veteran. Travis' brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, sent him a heartfelt congratulatory message on social media. Underneath the brotherly love, there was a new nickname.

"Congrats Taviola," Jason wrote on X. "The way you have impacted the game, your community, and your team is second to none. So incredibly deserving of this award, couldn’t be prouder!"

Congrats Taviola, the way you have impacted the game, your community, and your team is second to none. So incredibly deserving of this award, couldn’t be prouder! https://t.co/6qP64vsz0X
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) December 5, 2025

It is hard to know whether or not Jason has previously used the name for his little brother in private. Either way, the term of endearment caught on quickly once he put it on social media.

"Taviola, future hall of fame," said a reply on X.

"taviola is killing meee," one user responded.

"what's the story behind the nickname 'taviola' ???" asked another. "I love it!!! so sweet!!!"

The origin of this particular nickname is unclear, but the backstory for some of Kelce's other nicknames have been discussed on the brothers' popular "New Heights" podcast before.

As Travis revealed on the show, his college friends from University of Cincinnati started calling him "Big Yeti" on the basketball court.

Did you know the origin story of how Trav got the nickname Big Yeti? pic.twitter.com/VvKsi5yaLB
— New Heights (@newheightshow) August 6, 2024

At the time, Jason said "Big Yeti" was his favorite nickname for his little brother. That changed in August when the Kelce brothers hosted Taylor Swift, Travis' famous fiancee, on the podcast.

Swift called her future husband "The Human Exclamation Point" because of his uplifting personality. Jason said that became his new favorite.