Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Travis Kelce Earns New Nickname Amid Public Appearance Without Taylor Swift

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 7:15 AM ET

From "Big Yeti" to "Killa Trav" to "87" to the name many people know him by, "Taylor Swift's boyfriend," Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce already has a strong arsenal of nicknames.

That did not stop him from earning a new one at the golf course this weekend in his first public appearance in weeks.

Though Killa Trav has spent much of his offseason off the grid with his girlfriend, pop music sensation Taylor Swift, she did not join him for the trip to Las Vegas that resulted in a new pseudonym.

While the Chiefs were busy considering their future in the NFL Draft — and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was busy posting about Shedeur Sanders — Kelce was participating in a celebrity golf tournament, the 8AM Golf Invitational.

"Big Yeti" joined the star-studded field alongside his older brother and "New Heights" podcast co-host, Jason Kelce. On Friday, he dressed the part by wearing an outfit inspired by Tiger Woods.

Travis played on Justin Timberlake's team, which included the likes of golfer Michelle Wie West, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and retired athletes such as NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and MLB player Ryan Howard.

A video posted on social media showed Kelce on the course being called by his new nickname "Show Pony" that reflected the star power he brought, even among the celebrity field.

Little show pony pic.twitter.com/5tqluwPWTt
— | fan acct. (@TayvisHaze) April 26, 2025

There's no doubt Kelce has become an attraction wherever he goes, especially during his relationship with Swift. Since her first appearance at a Chiefs game in September 2023, Kelce's number of Instagram followers went from 2.8 million to 6.6 million.

Whether it is his burgeoning acting career, his $100 million broadcasting opportunities or philanthropic causes like this golf tournament, the three-time Super Bowl champion has taken advantage of the visibility provided by his current power couple.

Now the "Show Pony" has a new nickname to show for it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: