Travis Kelce’s legacy grew with a win over his brother and podcast cohost Jason in Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII in Arizona, pacing the Chiefs with six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown, moving ahead of fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski with 16 career postseason touchdowns (second all-time). Following Wednesday’s victory parade in Kansas City, Kelce hopped a plane to New York to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the eight-time Pro Bowler announced he’ll host Saturday Night Live on March 4th with musical guest Kelsea Ballerini.
An honor usually reserved for comedians and actors, Kelce becomes the first athlete to host SNL since former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt in 2020. Other athlete hosts include Ronda Rousey (2016), Charles Barkley (1993, 2010, 2012 and 2018), Derek Jeter (2001), Peyton (2007) and Eli Manning (2012), Tom Brady (2005), Lance Armstrong (2005), LeBron James (2007), Michael Jordan (1991), Andy Roddick (2003), Michael Phelps (2008), Wayne Gretzky (1989), Joe Montana (1987), Jeff Gordon (2003) and Deion Sanders (1995).
Kelce’s IMDB page includes 43 credits, though most of those have been as a guest on various talk shows (Dan Patrick, Jim Rome, Colin Cowherd, etc.) or as a presenter on awards shows such as the ESPYs or the NFL Honors. Kelce was also the subject of a short-lived reality series, Catching Kelce, in 2016.
Well-known for his performative flair, the 33-year-old made his presence felt throughout the Chiefs’ playoff run, giving spirited monologues defending his team from critics who doubted Kansas City’s Super Bowl aspirations following the departure of Tyreek Hill. We’ll see if Kelce’s oratory skills translate to a successful hosting stint when he takes the stage at Studio 8H next month.
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