Travis Kelce Tells Michael Phelps He Couldn’t Be a Swimmer Because He Doesn’t ‘Have the Wingspan’
In a delightful exchange on the popular "New Heights" podcast, co-hosted by NFL star Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce, the pair explored various Olympic sports, showcasing their light-hearted camaraderie and imbued sense of humor. This casual conversation, recorded on Saturday, July 27, rapidly turned into a memorable moment, especially with the cameo of one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time, Michael Phelps. The entire interaction not only highlights Kelce's self-awareness about his athletic capabilities outside of football but also illuminates the amusing energy and banter that makes their podcast engaging for listeners worldwide.
As the Kelce brothers delved into the realm of Olympic sports, referencing activities such as curling and bocce ball, it became evident that they were simply having fun, exploring the idea of transitioning their athletic talents to entirely different spheres. However, one sport that they notably skipped over during their light-hearted discussion was swimming, which did not go unnoticed by Phelps himself, who was quick to comment with a playful inquiry: “No swimming?” This seemingly innocuous question from Phelps ignited a witty response from Travis Kelce, who humorously stated, “Lmao too heavy, don't have the wingspan 😂.” This quip not only offered a moment of relatable self-deprecation but also a nod to the extraordinary physical attributes required for swimming at a competitive level, attributes that perhaps may not align with Kelce’s tall, muscular frame.
The playful banter regarding their potential in other Olympic sports continued, leading the brothers to consider the thrilling but technically demanding sport of bobsledding. Their discussion, however, took a humorous turn as they chose to dismiss the idea, citing their struggles with driving, a trait evidently inherited from their father, Ed Kelce. In a noteworthy exchange, Jason humorously remarked, “Yeah, we’ve got the Ed Kelce genes,” which painted an amusing picture of their father's notorious driving habits. He further elaborated on this anecdote, joking about how their father’s erratic driving style had them “just jerking” around in the car, reinforcing their hesitation to take on bobsledding as a viable pursuit.
Transitioning from witty conversations about Olympic prowess, the discussion turned decidedly personal, with Jason revealing that he often experiences “seasickness” when riding with his father. This gem of self-revelation cliché transitioned smoothly into his wife Kylie's observations about his driving skills, prompting the realization that these driving habits might not be limited to Ed. Travis contributed to this lively discussion by confessing that friends have echoed similar sentiments, expressing their own concerns about his driving capabilities.
Despite the comical exchanges regarding their lack of swimming prowess or potential in bobsledding, what appeared to be a lighthearted podcast episode took a turn towards a more serious note as Travis began discussing his current fitness regimen in preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 NFL season. With the pressure of maintaining an elite physical condition bearing down on him, Kelce shared insights into his training regime during a press conference at the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. He expressed, “The biggest thing was getting my body right,” underscoring the physical demands he has faced over the past several seasons.
Kelce's candid acknowledgment of the toll that competitive football has exerted on his body is both enlightening and relatable. He stated that he has accumulated more playtime than most of his peers in the past five to six years, thus emphasizing the importance of body maintenance and recovery. “I’m very fortunate, and very prideful of that. But, I know it has taken a toll on my body,” he shared, hinting at the intricacies of balancing athleticism and longevity in a sport that is as demanding as NFL football.
Further elaborating on his fitness journey, Kelce revealed, “It’s just making sure that my body’s getting that rest and that ability to train harder and be able to withstand an entire 17- to 20-game season.” This comprehensive approach to fitness highlights the rigorous preparation required for NFL athletes, where every detail, from physical conditioning to recovery, plays a critical role in their performance on the field.
As a three-time Super Bowl champion, Travis also emphasized his commitment to maintaining peak condition by working with a plethora of personal trainers. “I have my personal PT and, then on top of that, I have the best in the world here at Kansas City,” he concluded, further illustrating the dedication and extensive support system that accompanies professional athletes as they gear up for their season.
In summary, the amusing banter between Travis Kelce and Michael Phelps may have begun as an inquiry into Olympic sports potential, but it evolved into a multifaceted discussion touching on personal anecdotes, familial connections, and the serious commitment required for the rigors of professional sports. Their light-hearted yet insightful conversation serves not only to entertain audiences but also to provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and mentalities of elite athletes navigating their various realms of expertise.