Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynamic tight end, has become as famous for his electrifying touchdown dances as he is for his impressive plays on the field. These aren’t just random celebrations; they’re a vibrant expression of his personality and a key part of his connection with fans. From the Nae Nae to the Ric Flair strut, Kelce’s moves have injected fun and flair into the NFL, proving that for him, football is as much about entertainment as it is about touchdowns.
Kelce’s journey to becoming a dance icon in the NFL wasn’t always smooth. He recalls his early days, even before the end zone celebrations, at a local breakfast spot in Kansas City. “They knew me before I was even scoring touchdowns,” he mentions, highlighting his long-standing connection with the city. His personality, bold and expressive, was evident even before the fame of his NFL career. It’s this inherent showmanship that fuels his now-famous dances.
“You don’t really see tight ends out here doing dances in the end zone,” Kelce himself acknowledges. However, for him, dancing is a natural extension of his personality. “If you see me at night out on the town, I’m having a good time — I’m always dancing,” he explains. This love for dance wasn’t manufactured for the cameras; it’s deeply rooted in his life. “It started in the backyard, not to necessarily showboat — but to be a showman. It’s part of how we grew up, how we played the game, and now that I’m in the NFL, why not break it out?” This philosophy has turned his touchdowns into must-see moments.
The Genesis of the Travis Kelce Dance: The Nae Nae
Travis Kelce Nae Nae dance celebration after scoring a touchdown
The “Travis Kelce Dance” phenomenon arguably began with the Nae Nae. During a preseason game against Cincinnati, teammate Jamaal Charles playfully challenged Kelce: if he scored, he had to perform one of his training camp dances. Kelce agreed, promising the Nae Nae. This playful bet set the stage for what would become a signature aspect of Kelce’s persona.
This game marked Kelce’s return after a significant injury – microfracture surgery that sidelined him for nearly a year. Drafted in 2013, his promising start was abruptly halted. The surgery was daunting, bringing to mind the careers of athletes derailed by similar injuries. “You look at all the people who declined as athletes,” Kelce reflected, recalling his frustration during rehab. It was during these tough times that he leaned on the support of his family, particularly a message from his father reminding him of his resilience.
His journey also included a setback in college at the University of Cincinnati, where he was dismissed from the team for smoking marijuana before the Sugar Bowl. This incident was a significant turning point, forcing him to mature and refocus. With the support of his brother Jason and coaches who believed in him, Kelce returned, demonstrating his commitment and character.
Returning to the field against Cincinnati, Kelce didn’t just score; he delivered on his promise. Taking a slant pass for a 69-yard touchdown, he broke into the Nae Nae, marking his first NFL touchdown with a dance that perfectly encapsulated his exuberant spirit. This moment was more than just a score; it was a statement of his comeback and the beginning of his dance legacy.
Expanding the Repertoire: The Shmoney Dance
Travis Kelce Shmoney dance touchdown celebration
Kelce’s dance repertoire quickly expanded beyond the Nae Nae. Against Miami, encouraged by his defensive teammates, he debuted the Shmoney Dance. Initially hesitant, Kelce practiced the moves pre-game and unleashed it after a 20-yard touchdown catch. This demonstrated his willingness to engage with his teammates and fans, turning touchdowns into shared celebrations.
Interestingly, not everyone was immediately on board with Kelce’s on-field exuberance. His brother Jason, known for his more traditional, “Neanderthal” approach to football, jokingly urged Travis to “stop doing that sh*t” after the Nae Nae. Despite their contrasting personalities – Travis the lean showman and Jason the rugged lineman – their brotherly bond remained strong.
Their father, Ed Kelce, perfectly describes their differences, comparing Jason to a “coiled spring” and Travis to “Jell-O,” highlighting their contrasting physical and personality traits. Despite the playful criticism, Jason’s protectiveness and support for Travis are evident. This dynamic reflects a classic big brother-little brother relationship, filled with both rivalry and deep affection.
While Jason’s path to NFL success was built on grit and determination, Travis often seemed to find things easier, his talent honed through years of competition with his older brother. Jason’s journey to becoming a top-paid center was marked by hard work and overcoming limitations, while Travis’s natural athleticism allowed him to excel across multiple sports. Despite their different approaches, both brothers achieved remarkable success in football.
The Trademark Move: Bow and Arrow Dance
Travis Kelce Bow and Arrow first down celebration
The bow and arrow dance has become synonymous with Travis Kelce first downs and touchdowns. This move, showcasing his “showmanship,” has caught the attention of players and fans alike. Even Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin playfully mirrored the celebration, prompting a reciprocal bow and arrow gesture from Kelce in their subsequent game. This playful interaction highlights how Kelce’s dances transcend team rivalries, becoming a point of connection and entertainment across the league.
One of the most memorable bow and arrow displays came during a dominant performance against the New England Patriots. Kelce’s 33-yard reception set up a score in a game where he amassed 93 yards and a touchdown. This game, against the backdrop of comparisons to Rob Gronkowski, showcased Kelce’s growing dominance as a tight end.
Comparisons to Gronkowski, another physically imposing and dynamic tight end, started even before Kelce was drafted. Both are known for their size, blocking ability, and receiving skills. However, Kelce’s background as a quarterback gives him a unique perspective and fluidity on the field. While Gronkowski is known for power and brute force, Kelce’s style is characterized by smooth movements and agility.
Kelce’s versatility is also notable. He even jokes about still being able to play quarterback, highlighting his athleticism and football IQ. His transition to tight end, while initially requiring adjustments in blocking and physicality, has been remarkably successful. He credits his “spongelike ability to soak up knowledge” for his quick adaptation and growth in the position.
Paying Homage: The Ric Flair Strut
Travis Kelce Ric Flair strut touchdown celebration
For his 25th birthday game, Kelce decided to pay tribute to wrestling legend Ric Flair with his iconic strut. Growing up watching wrestling, Kelce admired Flair’s showmanship, recognizing the entertainment value in professional wrestling. “That guy is entertaining, period,” Kelce stated, appreciating Flair’s ability to captivate an audience.
After a 2-yard touchdown, Kelce broke out the Ric Flair strut, demonstrating his understanding of football as entertainment. He sees similarities between himself and Flair, both aiming to entertain and captivate fans. Kelce openly embraces the desire for fame and recognition, stating, “I really want to be one of the greats. I want to be able to walk somewhere and have people say, ‘Oh, that’s Travis.’”
This desire for recognition is supported and encouraged by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Kelce credits Reid for fostering an environment where players can express their personalities. “That is why I love playing for Andy Reid,” Kelce explains, emphasizing Reid’s belief that player expression enhances performance. This supportive environment allows Kelce to thrive, both as a player and as an entertainer.
Reid’s coaching philosophy, combined with the talents of players like Kelce and quarterback Alex Smith, has been key to the Chiefs’ offensive success. Despite not having a traditionally explosive passing attack, the Chiefs offense thrives on creativity, varied formations, and the personalities of its players. Kelce emphasizes the fun and engaging atmosphere within the team, highlighting the positive impact of Reid and Smith’s leadership.
The Collaborative Celebration: The Backpack Dance
Travis Kelce Backpack dance touchdown celebration
The “backpack” dance emerged from a chance encounter with Kansas City Royals star Eric Hosmer. After a Chiefs loss, Kelce sought a distraction and ended up meeting Hosmer, who had become famous for his own “backpack” celebration during the Royals’ playoff run. Inspired by Hosmer’s move, Kelce adopted it as his own, showcasing the collaborative and spontaneous nature of his celebrations.
The backpack dance debuted after a touchdown against the Jets, and Hosmer himself sent Kelce a congratulatory text. This cross-sport camaraderie reflects the excitement and positive energy in Kansas City during that period, fueled by both the Royals’ and Chiefs’ successes. The city was buzzing, and Kelce, along with his dances, became a symbol of this vibrant sports culture.
Currently, despite a couple of games without a touchdown, Kelce remains a key part of the Chiefs’ winning streak. He continues to think about his next celebration, but also recognizes the importance of focusing on the game. “I try not to let the cat out of the bag,” Kelce says about his future dances, hinting at more surprises to come. For Travis Kelce, the dances are not just about personal glory; they’re about adding joy to the game and connecting with fans, making every touchdown a moment of shared celebration.
