Travis Kelce Injury History

Travis Michael Kelce is a professional American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. The Chiefs selected Kelce as the 63rd pick in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Kelce did not start a game in his rookie year, as he made his debut off the bench in Week 2 of the 2013 NFL season after picking up an injury in preseason. Kelce became a regular in the 2014 NFL season, starting in 11 games while appearing in 16 regular season games. During his 11-year career in the NFL, Kelce has recorded 931 receptions for 11,556 yards, as of October 2024. He is a three-time Super Bowl winner and a nine-time Pro Bowler from 2015-2023 as well. Kelce also holds the NFL record for most receptions (165) in postseason games. As of October 2024, he also holds eight other NFL records, including career postseason receiving touchdowns by a tight end (19), career postseason receiving yards by a tight end (1,903), and seven seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards for a tight end being a few of them.

Growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Kelce attended Cleveland Heights High School, where he was a three-year letter winner as a quarterback in his high school. Kelce was acknowledged with all-Lake Erie League accolades during a senior campaign in which he amassed 2,539 yards of total offence. He committed to the University of Cincinnati in 2019. During his three-year collegiate career, Kelce recorded 59 receptions for 875 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns in his career. He also received first-team All-Big East honors in 2012.

Travis Kelce Injury History

According to Draftsharks, Travis Kelce sustained several injuries and concussions during his 11-year career in the NFL. He suffered a knee fracture in September 2013, followed by a rib injury in October 2014. He suffered an ankle sprain in August 2015, followed by a shoulder injury in February 2017. He sustained back-to-back Grade 1 concussions in October 2017 and January 2018. In January 2020, he sustained a knee strain, followed by a cervical neck stinger in October 2021. In 2023, he sustained a knee bruise in September 2023, followed by an ankle sprain in October 2023.

Major Injuries Sustained by Travis Kelce Injury History

Knee Patella Fracture (2013)

After having arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome knee on 3rd September, 2023, Kelce's cartilage problem was discovered, resulting in a microfracture treatment. He did not miss another game due to a knee injury after it. However, later reports claimed the injury to be a bone bruise.

Chest Rib Sprain/ Pull Unspecified (2014)

Kelce sustained a rib injury in a Week 7 game against the Chargers on 19th October, 2014. However, he played through the injury and the coach claimed it to be a soreness in the cartilage area.

Pedal Ankle Sprain/ Pull Unspecified Grade 1 (2015)

During the 2015 NFL season's off-season practice, Kelce sustained an ankle sprain on 31st August, missing out on the fourth preseason game. The injury was not deemed to be serious and he was benched for precaution, according to HC Andy Reid.

Shoulder Injury (2017)

Kelce underwent shoulder surgery in February 2017. However, HC Andy Reid termed it as a “cleanup” type surgery, according to Draftsharks. He did not miss any game due to the injury.

Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 (2017)

Kelce sustained a Grade-1 concussion in the game against the Houston Texans on 8th October, 2017. After being given the all-clear to resume play, he displayed some short-term memory loss at halftime. Kelce was able to play after clearing the procedure in the following week, according to Draftsharks.

Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 (2018)

On 6th October, 2018, Kelce sustained a Grade-1 concussion again in the game against the Titans, missing out on the second half of the Wild Card Round.

Knee Strain Grade 1 (2020)

Kelce limited his drills in practice due to soreness in his knee on January 2020, according to Draftsharks.

Cervical Neck Stinger (2021)

In the Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season against the Buffalo Bills, Kelce suffered a neck stinger. He did not miss any game due to it.

Knee Bruise (2023)

Kelce sustained a bruise on his knee during an off-season practice on 5th September, 2023. He had to sit out for the opening game of the 2023 NFL season as a precautionary measure.

Pedal Ankle Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 (2023)

Kelce sustained a sprained ankle in the Week 5’s game against the Vikings on 8th October, 2023.