Travis Kelce, Super Bowl champion and tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is making a move from the football field to the hosting chair as he films episodes of the upcoming competition series Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity. With his wit and humor, Kelce has already impressed people with his hosting skills, leading to the insider calling him the perfect host for the show. Filming for the series started in Los Angeles, where Kelce has been spotted with his girlfriend Taylor Swift and brother Jason Kelce during his off hours.
Kelce’s new hosting gig comes after his previous stint on the reality series Catching Kelce in 2016 and his work on the “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason. His rise in fame coincided with going public about his relationship with Taylor Swift in September 2023, but the decision to try hosting happened long before the relationship began. Swift is said to be supportive of Kelce’s new endeavor, excited about the opportunities he is getting, but also wanting him to be mindful of his schedule so they can still see each other. The deal for Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity was signed before Kelce’s profile rose, and now he is working on fine-tuning the show through test episodes before its release.
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, the show on which Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity is based, originally aired on Fox from 2007 to 2009. The show had multiple revivals and hosts over the years, with the likes of Jeff Foxworthy and John Cena taking turns as emcees. Kelce’s venture into hosting does not mean he is ready to retire from the NFL just yet. In a press conference earlier in the year, Kelce expressed his love for the game and stated that he has no reason to hang up his jersey, as the team continues to have success. Despite his busy schedule, Kelce is still making time to relax with Swift, with the couple planning to attend Coachella together.
As Kelce explores new career opportunities, he is expanding his portfolio beyond his NFL career. Having already made a mark with his previous reality show and podcast, his hosting role on Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity is a natural progression for him. Swift’s support has been crucial in encouraging Kelce to pursue these new opportunities, even as he continues to balance his NFL commitments. With filming ongoing for the new series and Kelce’s preparation for the show, it is clear that he is dedicated to making his mark as a host in the entertainment industry.