Inside the Culinary Creations Fueling Travis Kelce's NFL Season with the Kansas City Chiefs
Discover the culinary delights that power Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, through the NFL season Unveil the mouthwatering creations of his personal chef, Kumar Ferguson, as he dishes up tantalizing meals fit for a champion
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When it comes to feeding Travis Kelce during the NFL season, his personal chef — and longtime pal — has a routine down to a science.
Kumar Ferguson is responsible for cooking three meals a day for 34-year-old Kelce and doing his grocery shopping, as he shared with Kansas City magazine on January 9. For breakfast, Kelce often enjoys oatmeal with fresh fruit and seafood alfredo for dinner, consuming around 4,000 calories on practice and game days. Although Ferguson has been friends with Kelce since their time in Cleveland, Ohio, they officially began working together in 2016. Ferguson remembered the call he received from the Kansas City Chiefs tight end asking for dietary assistance during their interview on Tuesday.
“I flew out four days later and we haven’t looked back since,” Ferguson recalled.
But for Kelce, having Ferguson whip up meals is nothing new.
"As a kid, I used to cook for my friends after spending the whole day hanging out," Ferguson recalled. "Our kitchen table has always been a hub for us all, and we've kept that tradition alive."
Ferguson, who grew up with soul food and Indian spices as regulars at his family's dinner table, mentioned that Kelce had a different taste in food when he was younger.
"His father is an accomplished grill master, so that's where I picked up the skills for preparing filets in our meals," shared Ferguson.
In addition to filets, Ferguson also cooks deep-fried Australian lobster tails with a delicious sauce and Hawaiian heat wings for Kelce. When asked if Kelce gives feedback on his meals, Ferguson said that it's just part of the job.
“Being brothers is hilarious because we can tease each other nonstop, but Travis is truly impressive in his professionalism and dedication to whatever he puts his mind to,” Ferguson stated. “We've had open communication from the very beginning.”
Despite Ferguson being Kelce's official personal chef, the NFL star has gained attention for having other people cook for him, including his girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
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Former quarterback Bernie Kosar disclosed during an interview on the "Tobin and Leroy" show in December 2023 that Taylor Swift, 34, baked a sweet treat for Travis Kelce before a game earlier in the season.
"Travis comes home. I was at his house, like, three hours before the game, we’re having a pregame meal," he shared. "And Taylor is so kind, she came in by herself. She's so amazing, she made her homemade cinnamon rolls for Travis for a pregame meal."
