Travis Kelce’s family reveals shocking truth about drug shame as Taylor Swift fiancé begins last NFL season with Chiefs

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, is starting what many believe will be his last NFL season at age 35. On Thursday morning, September 5, 2025, Kelce and his teammates stepped off their team bus at the São Paulo Athletic Club in Brazil to prepare for their season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The star arrived with big attention on him, not only because of his football career but also his recent engagement to singer Taylor Swift. Behind all the fame, Kelce’s family says his journey has been full of struggles, including a tough battle with drug shame during his college years.

Travis Kelce’s brother Jason Kelce recalls how he pulled him back after drug suspension

Having retired from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, Jason Kelce revealed to the Daily Mail that his younger brother almost lost his job in 2010. Travis tested positive for marijuana at the University of Cincinnati and was dismissed from the team.

According to Jason, he became Travis's "lifeline" persuading coaches to give him one more shot.

It was no country club: Travis Kelce had to keep good grades, show up for every class, report on his activities with staff and take weekly counseling sessions. “It’s a grind, but if you like all that stuff and you understand at some point it’s going to be over,” Jason said.Former teammate Danny Milligan also remembered how Jason Kelce pushed Travis to focus. At first, Travis wanted to quit football and even worked in a call center before Jason brought him back. Milligan said, “He definitely listened to his big brother more after that.

He realized how scary that moment was.”Also Read: “I’m just a mommy”: Love Island’s Huda Mustafa joins NBC to explain Eagles’ famous tush push

Travis Kelce explains why he continues despite doubts and injuries

Speaking in São Paulo on Thursday, Kelce admitted this season feels different. He smiled and said, “It’s the last one on the contract right now but I’m feeling young and ready to rock.” He also joked about his relationship with Swift, adding, “I got one more ring from it.”Travis Kelce had considered retirement after Super Bowl LIX earlier this year, when Kansas City suffered a heavy loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. But he told reporters he could not walk away on a bad note. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “He’s built a great legacy. The only goal now is another Super Bowl.”Now slimmer and more focused, Travis Kelce has trained again with his early NFL coach Tony Villani to regain speed and agility. Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach summed it up best: “Hopefully, he has a magical season to end a magical career.”