Travis Kelce is one of the NFL’s best tight ends, but his journey almost ended before it began. Back in 2010, he got suspended from the University of Cincinnati football team after testing positive for marijuana.
Now, as a two-time Super Bowl champion, Kelce looks back at that rough patch as the wake-up call he needed. Here’s how one bad decision nearly cost him everything- and how he turned his life around.
The College Scandal That Nearly Ruined Travis Kelce’s Career
During Super Bowl Opening Night in New Orleans, Kelce reflected on the controversy that derailed his early career. He openly admitted that his suspension from the Cincinnati Bearcats was entirely his own doing.
“I think it was a very emotional and meaningful thing that happened to me back in college, and I brought that all on myself,” Kelce stated.
Travis Kelce was suspended after a night in New Orleans before the 2010 Sugar Bowl. He failed a drug test for marijuana and was immediately removed from the team. His future in football became uncertain despite his potential. The toughest part for him was how it affected his family.
“I think it was just me not living up to my family’s expectations, and that was probably the biggest thing. Bringing negativity to them was probably the hardest part for me,” Kelce admitted.
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A Wake-Up Call For Travis Kelce
Kelce has since been vocal about how that experience changed his outlook on life and football. He previously shared more details on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast in 2023.
“I partied a little too much down there [New Orleans], got hit with a drug test, and from that point on, I realized I’ve got to tighten the f*** up,” he said.
.@tkelce's brother Jason Kelce saved his career after he was kicked off his college team for smoking weed:
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) January 5, 2021
“I threw this scholarship away and down the drain like it didn’t mean nothing to me. I had to grow up.” pic.twitter.com/O9TlnawD3X
The moment forced him to reassess his priorities. He could either let the mistake define him or use it as motivation to turn his life around. Kelce chose the latter.
Also Read: Travis Kelce Reveals How Many NFL Players Use Marijuana
Zach Collaros’ Mom Walks In On Travis Kelce Smoking
Kelce’s former college roommate, Zach Collaros, later shared a story that perfectly captured who Kelce was then. In an interview with The Athletic, Collaros recalled a shocking and hilarious moment.
“My mom visited one time when Travis was suspended. She doesn’t like going to games, so she just stayed behind and cleaned the house,” Collaros said.
In the summer of 2010, Travis Kelce had lost his scholarship at Cincinnati after failing a drug test.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 4, 2024
With his future hanging in the balance, Kelce joined a summer collegiate baseball league. @CodyStavenhagen on how life could've worked out differently for the Chiefs TE ⤵️
“She smelled something and walked downstairs in the basement, and it’s Trav- smoking a joint. And as she goes, ‘Travis, aren’t you suspended for this?!?’ And he just says, ‘Hey Momma Collaros, it’s all right. When are we going to the game?’ And they walked to the game together.”
Travis Kelce later confirmed the story on his New Heights podcast, laughing about how restless he was back then.
“I made sure to tell them, don’t hold back- tell all the good stories. And sure enough, they mentioned all the really good ones, like Zach’s mom walking in on me firing up in the garage before one of the games. Absolutely hilarious. That’s how I was living back then,” he admitted.
How Kelce Turned His Career Around?
Despite the suspension, Kelce fought his way back. Jason Kelce, his older brother and Cincinnati Bearcats teammate, played an important role in securing his reinstatement. After missing the entire 2010 season, Travis returned to the team, worked his way back into a starting role, and impressed NFL scouts with his raw talent and determination.
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The rest is history. Kelce has since become one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game, winning multiple Super Bowls and cementing his legacy in the NFL.
The Lesson Kelce Learned
Travis Kelce’s college suspension could have ended his career before it started. Instead, he used it as fuel to change his life and become a better player and person. Now, as he prepares for another Super Bowl, he reflects on his past with honesty and humor, knowing that without that wake-up call, he might never have reached the heights he has today.
Also Read: Travis Kelce’s College GPA Has Been Revealed, And It Might Shock You
