Travis Kelce’s Confession: I Wanted to Be Like Josh Allen

Travis Kelce’s QB Dreams and the Josh Allen He Admits to Envying

Travis Kelce, on his way to becoming a tight end legend, once harbored different NFL aspirations: he dreamed of being a star quarterback like Josh Allen. Before his Kansas City Chiefs fame, Kelce envisioned himself as a dual-threat QB, a style Allen now embodies.

“Josh Allen’s is who I used to dream of being like in the NFL,” Kelce revealed. “Big, athletic quarterback, big arm, being able to be a dual-threat guy. I just never had the arm talent that Josh has, so they kicked me over to tight end.”

Allen’s 2024 MVP-caliber season showcases precisely what Kelce once craved. With 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, a 101.4 passer rating, and a remarkable 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, Allen has propelled the Bills to a 13-win season and another AFC Championship appearance.

This marks the third postseason clash between Allen’s Bills and Kelce’s Chiefs, with Kansas City consistently thwarting Buffalo’s Super Bowl ambitions. Despite Allen’s 0-3 playoff record against the Chiefs, Kelce holds immense respect for the Bills’ quarterback.

“His ability to do everything—you can tell he’s taken the bull by the horns and become their leader,” Kelce praised. “Guys come in and out of the building, and he’s the one making them go week in and week out. I have so much respect for that guy.”

Kelce’s own journey has been historic. The former third-round pick ranks third all-time among tight ends in receptions (1,004) and receiving yards (12,151), boasting postseason stats that rival some of the game’s greats. Heading into Sunday’s AFC title game, Kelce holds the NFL playoff record for receptions (172) and ranks second in receiving yards (2,020) and touchdowns (20), trailing only Jerry Rice.

Occasionally, Kelce offers glimpses of his QB past, with creative laterals highlighting his own version of dual-threat ability, even at 35.

As the Chiefs pursue an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat, Kelce recognizes the heightened stakes against Allen’s surging Bills. “I’m just excited for the challenges I get in this game,” Kelce stated. “This is one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever had, and I’m ready to attack it head-on.”

The AFC Championship showdown between Kelce and the quarterback he once aspired to be has the potential to define this NFL season.