Exploring the Journey of Chiefs’ Tight End Travis Kelce and His Brother Jason
The Kansas City Chiefs' tight end, Travis Kelce, along with his older brother and former Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason Kelce, hosts an engaging weekly podcast titled “New Heights.” This title pays tribute to the Cleveland Heights neighborhood where they both grew up, highlighting their shared background and familial bond.
Episode Highlights: Trey Smith Joins the Kelce Brothers
In a recent episode, Chiefs starting right guard Trey Smith shared insights about his transition to the NFL, experiences playing alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and his views on rookie left tackle Josh Simmons. The brothers cleverly sidestepped inquiries regarding Smith’s ongoing contract discussions, allowing the focus to remain on football and athlete camaraderie.
Tune In!
"New Heights" with Jason & Travis Kelce is available on various platforms, including Spotify.
1. Rookie Left Tackle Josh Simmons
If you're a fan of the Chiefs, anticipation has likely been building around rookie first-round draft pick Josh Simmons. According to Travis Kelce’s initial impressions, the team may have unearthed a hidden gem in Simmons.
During the podcast, Travis shared his experience of practicing against Simmons when the rookie stepped in on the scout team.
“He was playing a scout team defensive end,” Travis recalled, “and when I felt that man’s hands on me, I knew I had to brace myself.”
Trey Smith affirmed this viewpoint, stating that even though he and Simmons haven’t met yet, the buzz surrounding Simmons’ strength has caught his attention.
“I’ve heard he is incredibly strong—almost superhuman. He clearly possesses talent and is going to be a tremendous asset.”
Jason offered the most significant endorsement, expressing after reviewing Simmons’ footage:
“He’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Trent Williams... that next-level strength and athleticism.”
If these claims hold true, Kansas City may be on the cusp of unleashing an extraordinary talent.
2. Overcoming Health Challenges
Smith courageously opened up about a serious health ordeal that impacted his college career at Tennessee. During his sophomore year, he developed blood clots in his lungs, an alarming condition that forced him out for an entire season.
While team doctors initially thought they had addressed the issue, symptoms reappeared during his junior year. Eventually, Smith was referred to the Cleveland Clinic, where specialists discovered scar tissue in his lungs.
“I consulted a blood clotting specialist in North Carolina,” Smith shared. “He crafted a health plan that was unprecedented in football.”
This plan involved taking daily blood thinners while timing them to pause on Friday mornings, allowing him to play safely on Saturdays.
“I had to skip practice and training camp, focusing solely on cardio and film study,” he added.
Though Smith is no longer following that regimen, he credits it with giving him a second chance at his football career.
3. Witnessing Super Bowl LIV
Smith shared a fascinating nugget from his past when reflecting on his first impressions of the Chiefs. Thanks to former Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt, he experienced the thrill of witnessing Kansas City claim its first Super Bowl title in 50 years, live from Miami.
“My university sent me down to help with event logistics,” Smith recounted. “Colquitt and his crew found me and insisted I join them. That’s how I watched the game.”
Fast forward a couple of years, and he found himself on the field, contributing to the Chiefs’ victory as they hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.
4. Adapting to Play Beside Patrick Mahomes
For every rookie, there’s commonly a “Welcome to the NFL” moment, and for Smith, the most significant challenge was mastering the art of blocking for Patrick Mahomes. The adjustment wasn’t solely about the speed of the game; it involved adapting to Mahomes’ ability to extend plays.
“The transition from college was difficult,” Smith admitted. “I wasn't accustomed to someone who could stretch plays like that. Sustaining those blocks was a challenge.”
Smith acknowledged that his offensive line coach, Andy Heck, frequently reminded him to remain alert throughout the play.
“It felt like an egg timer was running in my head, and I had to fight that instinct.”
Clearly, Smith has navigated this learning curve well, positioning himself for a lucrative future once contract negotiations with the Chiefs conclude.
Conclusion
Trey Smith’s journey, intertwined with stories from the Kelce brothers, showcases not just the athletic prowess required in the NFL but emphasizes the resilience and determination that fuels an athlete’s success. The friendships and experiences shared through laughter, hardship, and triumph create a tapestry of camaraderie that highlights the essence of football.
The “New Heights” podcast continues to be a delightful peek behind the curtain, where listeners can absorb the personal anecdotes and professional journeys of these extraordinary figures in football. 🎉🏈