How Jason Kelce Rescued Kid Brother Travis Kelce From an $8-an-hour Telemarketing Job

While he is an absolute superstar today, Travis Kelce has had his fair share of setbacks. During his college days, Travis was a two-star high school recruit who dreamt of playing quarterback. However, his life turned upside down when he failed a drug test during the 2010 season.

Apparently, Kelce was caught smoking marijuana which ended up costing him his college scholarship. This led to a year-long suspension for the talented footballer. During this challenging period, the TE started living with his brother. During this time, he was forced to take up a job as a telemarketer, making barely $8 an hour.

“All I had been doing is playing outside, playing sports my entire life,” Kelce told ESPN. “I had never sat down and tried to earn a living like that. That’s not to hit on anybody’s 9-to-5; that’s just not for me.”

 

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This was quite the change from his original aspirations of playing as a QB. At that time, per Inquier, it was Jason Kelce who pleaded to the coaches at Cincinnati for a second chance for his brother. Travis grabbed the opportunity with both hands thus leading his reinstatement to the first team. This marked the beginning of his football redemption. Eventually, this led to a whopping $57.5 million deal in 2020.

Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce’s Relationship is Getting Stronger Day by Day

The Kelces’ story did not end there. Jason was instrumental in Travis joining the Chiefs. Andy Reid, who had drafted Jason Kelce during his tenure with the Eagles, had consulted Jason before bringing Travis to the Chiefs. Recalling seeing Travis play, Reid said in one of the episode of the New Heights podcast,

“This guy I saw play against Temple and my son kept telling me – ‘This tight end is unbelievable. Kelce’s brother is, like, incredible. I mean, he’s 265 pounds, he’s a beast.’ Then I get him and he’s like 240, but that’s okay. I’m going to bring back a memory for you.”

The bond between the Kelce brothers has only grown stronger over the years, and now goes beyond football. The success of the ‘New Heights‘ podcast is another example of their unique relationship. They have had each other’s back in the past, and they will probably continue to do so in the future, no matter how big an obstacle they have to face.