Travis Kelce might not have it all, but he’s rounding the bases on that mission after becoming a minority owner of the Cleveland Guardians.
Kelce, like Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes, has invested in other pro sports franchises. Mahomes owns a stake in the Kansas City Royals, among other teams, and also has a close connection with the game. His father, Patrick Mahomes Sr., pitched in the big leagues from 1992 to 2003.
Major League Baseball was the original path Kelce sought to become a pro athlete, gripping seams on the ball instead of running the seam route as a tight end in the NFL.
But he told ESPN on Wednesday the investment is about giving back to his roots.
“I have so much love for this city,” Kelce told ESPN. “I say it all the time: I’m just a kid from the Heights living the dream. I credit every good thing in my life to Cleveland and being raised here with the values and the people and the work ethic. Cleveland Heights is such a diverse and dynamic place.”
“Every friend, neighbor, teacher and teammate — they all made me the man I am today,” he said. “It just fueled such a deep appreciation for life and community and service. That mentality of Cleveland against the world runs deep.”
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to good ownership in my career, and I know the best teams prioritize culture. Everyone is there to play their role, and right now, I’m here to observe and learn and really to support the team and the city when and where I can.”
The Ohio native, who played at the University of Cincinnati, is nearing the end of his prolific football career. He turns 37 on Oct. 5 but already has agreed to chase a fourth Super Bowl ring and 12th Pro Bowl selection with the Chiefs in 2026, which will also be his first as the husband of Taylor Swift.
Mahomes became the youngest part-owner in pro sports in 2020 when he purchased a stake in the Royals at age 24. He also has a minority stake in the MLS franchise Sporting KC.
