In a recent episode of their popular podcast ‘New Heights’, brothers Jason and Travis Kelce gave listeners an entertaining insight into their nicknames, shedding light on some amusing anecdotes from their past. The episode, which aired on April 1, revealed how these playful monikers have followed them through the years, starting from their days in college to their successful NFL careers.
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Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, shared the fascinating story behind one of his earliest NFL nicknames, “Hoopsie.” This affectionate label first emerged during his rookie years in the league, particularly around 2013 and 2014, when Travis was trying to find his groove in professional football while also infamously sporting hoop earrings. According to Travis, he often struggled with his plays on the field during this period, which added a layer of irony to the nickname.
During the episode, Jason recounted how he reminisced over his brother’s early NFL days, highlighting the various mischief Travis found himself embroiled in at the Chiefs’ facility. “When you were running around messing things up, everyone was calling you Hoopsie,” Jason jested, emphasising the humorous memories associated with the name. This made Travis chuckle, as he reflected on that time in his life with great fondness and perhaps a tinge of embarrassment.
As the conversation unfolded, Jason cheekily suggested creating merchandise featuring the “Hoopsie” nickname after the brothers joked about the potential popularity it might garner. “Do we need Hoopsie merch?” he asked, to which Travis replied enthusiastically, “I’ll get Tommy Hilfiger on it,” referencing his upcoming collaboration with the designer. The two continued to playfully banter about possibly reviving the earrings that once defined Travis’ early years in the NFL.
Travis recently signed a lucrative one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs worth $12 million, and he took the opportunity to reflect upon his past while addressing the media. In an Instagram video shared by the team, Travis explained that the nickname stemmed from his appearance during those early years when he was frequently called “Hoopsie” due to his long hair and distinctive earrings. “I used to mess up plays all the time,” he joked, indicating how much he has evolved since those days.
While “Hoopsie” holds a special place in Travis’ heart, his brother Jason opts for a different nickname altogether, affectionately calling him “Big Yeti.” This moniker, which has become a regular feature on their podcast, dates back to Travis’ time at the University of Cincinnati. Here, between football practices, he would often engage in pickup basketball games. “I was just a big ole Yeti out there, man,” Travis recalled, attributing the nickname to his striking physical presence during his college basketball days.
Jason also chimed in, explaining how the nickname emerged from those sweaty matches. “I had the big beard, the long hair, all that body hair, and I was a low post player,” Travis elaborated, adding a humorous touch to their conversation as he remembered the camaraderie with his friends.
Interestingly enough, Travis’ fiancée, the pop superstar Taylor Swift, has also contributed to the nickname collection, referring to him as a “human exclamation point”. This phrase received praise from Jason during a previous podcast episode, as he expressed admiration for Taylor’s knack for words. He remarked, “That is such a great way to describe you,” comparing it to the “Big Yeti” title with a humorous evaluation of both nicknames.
As the brothers wrapped up the episode, it was clear that the playful teasing and affectionate ribbing is a hallmark of their relationship. With their blended family dynamics, amusing childhood tales, and successful careers, Travis and Jason Kelce certainly entertain while providing fans with a glimpse into their world beyond football. The camaraderie they share, expressed through these nicknames, undoubtedly resonates with listeners, making the ‘New Heights’ podcast a refreshing break from the typical sports commentary.
As they continue their podcast, fans are left wondering what new stories and nicknames the Kelce brothers will share next, showcasing their unique bond as they navigate their lives in the spotlight together.