Travis Kelce has been dating Taylor Swift and hanging out with A-listers, but he stays connected to his childhood friends who help keep him grounded.
He began his NFL career in 2013 when the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him, and his close friends have always been there to cheer him on. During the 2023-2024 season, Kelce's suite became even more popular as his friends and family were seen socializing with Swift.
On the field, Kelce’s teammates support him during every play. He shares a bond with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who mentioned how Kelce has handled his rise to fame alongside his relationship with Swift.
In January 2024, Mahomes reassured reporters, “Travis remains true to himself. He hasn't changed. He will continue to greet everyone in the stadium as if they were his closest friend. This is how he carries himself in the locker room every single day.”
Keep scrolling for a glimpse inside Travis’ inner circle, including his brother, Jason Kelce, and more:
Aric Jones
Jason and Kylie Kelce were childhood friends who later became roommates in their 20s. Jones has been a regular presence at Travis’ NFL games, often seen sitting with Swift at various Chiefs games during the 2023-2024 season.
Travis’ strong bond with his brother and sister-in-law has been showcased on their podcast called “New Heights,” which they host together. Kylie has made multiple appearances on the show, either through interviews or brief cameos, and the trio have openly discussed their close relationship.
During a 2023 NFL on NBC interview, Jason expressed his admiration for Travis, describing him as a special person with a great personality, intelligence, and a fun and kind-hearted nature. Jason even admitted that he wishes he could be more like his brother in many ways.
Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce Who Is Travis Kelce Friends With
Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Prime Video
Patrick Regan
Patrick Regan, also known as "Patty Cuts," is the barber of Travis. He playfully shared on Instagram in August 2023 about sending Travis to Training Camp with the Andy Reid Stache for the third year in a row, calling it a tradition.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback, and Brittany Mahomes, the tight end, share a close bond both on and off the field. Their families are also very close. In 2023, when Travis started dating Swift, Brittany was often seen accompanying her on nights out in New York City and other places.
Our families have become like one big family because of the strong bond we share and the brotherly connection we have developed on the football field," Patrick excitedly shared with ESPN during that time.
Travis Kelce Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes Who Is Travis Kelce Friends With
Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Kumar Ferguson
Travis and Ferguson have been friends since childhood, but their bond grew even stronger in 2016 when Ferguson started working as Travis' private chef. In an interview with Startland News in 2023, Ferguson shared, "It's a fun job, but I take it seriously. We all support each other and push each other to be better. It's a high-intensity environment, but the support from everyone makes it rewarding and enjoyable."
Patrick Bacon
Ross Travis
The friendship between Ross Travis and Bacon goes way back to their first-grade days. Bacon jokingly mentioned in a 2023 interview with WSJ Magazine that Travis enjoys reminiscing about the past. When Travis is not busy, he prefers to relax and hang out with his close circle of friends.
Ross Travis was part of the Chiefs from 2015 to 2017 before becoming a free agent. In February 2024, he and his longtime friends were seen wearing matching outfits at an Eras Tour concert in Australia.
Ross Travis Who Is Travis Kelce Friends With
Ross Travis Abbie Parr/Getty Images
Harry Clark
Machine Gun Kelly
Clark and Travis, both originally from Ohio, likely bonded over their shared roots. In March 2024, Clark joined Travis in Singapore to attend one of Swift's Eras Tour concerts.
Travis shared during the 2023 Kelce Jam in Kansas that he and Kelly actually grew up just down the street from each other. He mentioned being aware of Kelly while growing up and admiring him as a big fan throughout high school and college. Witnessing Kelly's success has been especially exciting for Travis, knowing they both come from the same area.
During a 2023 episode of "New Heights," Kelly made a surprise appearance, urging Travis to "come on home" and join the Cleveland Browns.
Editor's P/S:
Travis Kelce's inner circle is a testament to the importance of maintaining strong relationships throughout life. His childhood friends, family, and teammates have been there for him through his journey to NFL stardom and his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. These individuals provide Kelce with a sense of stability and grounding, reminding him of his roots and keeping him connected to the people who matter most.
Kelce's bond with his brother, Jason, is particularly heartwarming. Jason has expressed his immense admiration for Travis, describing him as a person with an exceptional character and a loving heart. The siblings' close relationship extends to their families, with Kylie Kelce often appearing on the "New Heights" podcast. Kelce's friendships with Patrick Regan, Kumar Ferguson, Patrick Bacon, Ross Travis, Harry Clark, and Machine Gun Kelly further demonstrate the importance he places on loyalty and camaraderie. These individuals have been with him through thick and thin, supporting him on and off the field.