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Travis Kelce Wanted AFC Team To Draft Him - And It Wasn't The Chiefs

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 10:10 AM ET

Back in 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs used the 63rd overall pick on Travis Kelce. That turned out to be one of the best decisions in franchise history.

Kelce has been the heart and soul of the Chiefs for over a decade, hauling in over 1,000 passes for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns. He has three Super Bowl titles, 10 Pro Bowl appearances and a few incredible NFL postseason records. Whenever he steps off the field for the final time, he'll receive a first-class ticket to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

With the 2025 NFL season almost here, Kelce was named GQ's cover model for September. The legendary tight end opened up about his career as well as his relationship with Taylor Swift.

During his conversation with GQ, Kelce revealed that Kansas City wasn't his preferred landing spot during the 2013 NFL Draft.

Kelce, an Ohio native, wanted the Cleveland Browns to draft him. He told former head coach Rob Chudzinski that he'd die for the city.

"I cried in [Chudzinski’s] office and said, 'I will f---ing die for this city!' I literally was in tears," Kelce told GQ. "I said, 'I’m sorry I’m getting emotional. I grew up down the street. I would f---ing do anything to play for the Cleveland Browns.' He looked at me like I was insane. I don’t think he’d ever had somebody just pour out their emotions."

The Browns probably regret passing up on Kelce.

At the end of the day, everything worked out in Kelce's favor. Regardless of how this season plays out, he'll be remembered as the best tight end of his generation.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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