The Kansas City Chiefs shared a slew of college football throwback pictures on their social feeds this weekend to coincide with the start of the 2024 college football season -- and star tight end Travis Kelce looked unrecognizable.
"College football is back," the post read. The team featured quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a Texas Tech jersey, linebacker Drue Tranquill in his Notre Dame Shirt, Xavier Worthy in a Texas jersey, and others, including Kelce in his Cincinnati colors.
Kelce was donning both a different number - 18 instead of his customary 87 - and a different beard. The veteran tight end appeared at Kansas City 's most recent preseason game with a fresh-shaven face outside of a thick mustache.
Kelce was pictured with a thick beard, a noticeable amount of hair, and with eye black. He more closely resembled his brother Jason Kelce than the current version of Travis.
Fans were split on the crop of pictures, though one was a fan of the Kelce photo for a specific reason: "The Big East Patch," followed by the classic Vince McMahon "it was special" meme.
The University of Cincinnati was a member of the famous Big East Conference before it was discontinued in 2013. They would switch to the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
"Like this tweet if Drue Tranquil is the best LB in the NFL," another fan commented. PFF ranked the rising star as the 15th-best linebacker in the league this offseason.
Some were just being classic haters, a staple of all social media discourse: " And ya'll already suck, just lucked out last year. Think I’ll support [the] 49ers."
Kelce was one of the best tight ends in the nation during his time as a Cincinnati Bearcat, catching 45 passes for 722 yards and eight scores in 2012 before Kansas City made him a third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft .
The picture used by the Chiefs was from the 2012 Belk Bowl, where Cincinnati defeated Duke 48-34. Kelce led the way with 123 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Other NFL players in the contest included Kelce's Cincy teammate Kenbrell Thompkins - who once caught a game-winning touchdown from Tom Brady - and future journeyman Jamison Crowder for Duke.
The 2024 college football season kicked off this weekend in Ireland as Georgia Tech upset their ACC rivals Florida State 24-21 at the Aviva Stadium.
Local Kansas City, MO
Most Popular
Comments / 0