Travis Kelce Reveals Childhood Dream of Playing in the NBA on ‘New Heights’ Podcast
Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce may be one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, but he recently opened up about a dream that goes beyond the football field. On the April 18 episode of his popular “New Heights” podcast, Kelce shared a surprising ambition he’s held onto since childhood — playing in the NBA.
When asked which guest he’d most like to switch lives with for 48 hours, Kelce didn’t hesitate. His answer? LeBron James.
“My answer is LeBron James, because I want to play in the NBA,” Kelce said. “I’ve always wanted to play in the NBA.”
Kelce went on to explain that basketball was a lifelong dream of his. “It’s something I’ve wanted since I was a kid,” he added. “I’d love to know what it actually feels like.”
While it’s unlikely Kelce will suit up for an NBA team anytime soon, it’s not hard to imagine him participating in a celebrity or charity basketball game — just for fun and to live out that fantasy, even briefly.
In the same podcast episode, Kelce also shared advice for players who might soon be drafted by the Chiefs. Reflecting on his early years in the league, he emphasized the importance of self-awareness and recovery.
“As a rookie, you can just get up and go,” Kelce said. “But I spent my first couple of years battling injuries, focusing more on rehab and building strength than refining my game.”
Kelce, who’s also known for his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, stressed the importance of work-life balance and being honest with yourself.
“You’ve got to be your own worst critic,” he said. “Be real with yourself. Know what you need to improve, and figure out exactly how to get there.”
He also noted the intensity of life in the NFL: “It’s a six-month grind, doing the same thing every day. So it’s crucial to step away sometimes, to come back refreshed and excited — like it’s the first day of school.”
His message to new players was clear: embrace the grind, but don’t lose sight of the balance between personal growth and professional performance.
