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Travis Kelce Earns New Nickname Amid 13th NFL Season
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- Travis Kelce Earns New Nickname Amid 13th NFL Season
Travis Kelce 's 13th NFL season has featured the Kansas City Chiefs tight end at his best. Though the Chiefs have struggled to a 6-6 record heading into Sunday's game against the Houston Texans , Kelce has been the top pass-catcher for longtime quarterback Patrick Mahomes . His 59 catches for 719 receiving yards and five touchdowns either lead the team or are tied for the team lead.
After watching him win three Super Bowls, make 10 straight Pro Bowls and break the franchise record for total touchdowns, fans know what to expect from Kelce. When the 36-year-old was named as the Chiefs' club winner for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award on Thursday, it was not even his first time getting that prestigious honor.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
However, the big announcement did result in something new for the NFL veteran. Travis' brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce , sent him a heartfelt congratulatory message on social media. Underneath the brotherly love, there was a new nickname.
"Congrats Taviola," Jason Kelce wrote on X . "The way you have impacted the game, your community, and your team is second to none. So incredibly deserving of this award, couldn't be prouder!"
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It is hard to know whether or not Jason has previously used the name for his little brother in private. Either way, the term of endearment caught on quickly once he put it on social media.
"Taviola, future hall of fame," said a reply on X .
"taviola is killing meee," one user responded .
"what's the story behind the nickname 'taviola' ???" asked another . "I love it!!! so sweet!!!"
The origin of this particular nickname is unclear, but the backstory for some of Kelce's other nicknames has been discussed on the brothers' popular "New Heights" podcast before.
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As Travis revealed on the show, his college friends from the University of Cincinnati started calling him "Big Yeti" on the basketball court.
At the time, Jason Kelce said "Big Yeti" was his favorite nickname for his little brother. That changed in August when the Kelce brothers hosted Taylor Swift , Travis' famous fiancee, on the podcast.
Swift called her future husband "The Human Exclamation Point" because of his uplifting personality. Jason Kelce said that became his new favorite .
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Swift once famously called Kelce "the guy on the Chiefs" during a show on her Eras Tour.
After his brother's post on Thursday, "Taviola" can be added to the long list of nicknames Travis Kelce has earned across his stellar NFL career.
The Chiefs square off against the Texans at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC and Peacock.
Related: Travis Kelce Refuses to Accept Hard Truth About Chiefs Season
Related: Jason Kelce Makes Admission After Working with Travis Kelce's Future Wife Taylor Swift
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
