Why Travis Kelce Introduced Himself as ‘Charles’ Growing Up

Jason Kelce reveal that his brother, Travis Kelcehad a special moniker for himself growing up.

“He was the mad man; I think we were both pretty reckless whenever it snowed in Cleveland,” Jason, 37, said of Travis, 35, on ESPN’s Postseason NFL Countdown before the Kansas City Chiefs play against the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 18. “He also told the whole block that his name was Charles.”

Jason explained that the Chiefs tight end gave himself the nickname in honor of one of his favorite athletes. “His favorite basketball player was Charles Barkley,” Jason pointed out.

It wasn’t until years later that the family discovered that Travis had been going by a different name when introducing himself to their neighbors.

See if you can guess which Kelce brother is used to the KC weather pic.twitter.com/9nMYC8SNe2

— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 18, 2025

“We found out at a block party because all the other parents were like, ‘There goes Charles,'” Jason said. “That’s the kind of kid Travis was. He always lived up to all his sporting idols, for sure.”

After Jason’s reception, Travis and the Chiefs beat the Texans 23-14 and advanced to the AFC Championship game later this month against the Buffalo Bills. The AFC title champion will advance to represent the conference in the 2025 Super Bowl against the winner of the NFC division, which will be either the Washington Commanders or the Philadelphia Eagles.

Related: The Kelces Have Already Tackled How To Say Their Last Name – More Than Once

Travis and Jason Kelce have already addressed the story behind their last name, but Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones is only now realizing it. “So you know it’s not even Travis Kelce (Kelsey)?” the Chiefs defensive tackle, 29, said in a clip from Inside the NFL filmed on the sidelines of the Chiefs vs. (…)

While Travis idolized Barkley during his childhood, the former NBA star revealed that he also looked up to a man at his school – who happened to be named Travis. During an appearance on Travis and Jason’s “New Height” podcast, Barkley, 61, explained his previous desire to change his name.

“It was great, like junior high,” Barkley said on an August 2023 episode of the basketball player named Travis. “So everyone loved Travis. But I was named after my grandfather. When I started getting better at basketball, I said, ‘Mom, what do we think about changing my name to Travis?’ She says, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’ … she says, ‘That’s your grandfather’s name.’ And I said, ‘Yes, and it’s nobody!'”

Barkley revealed that he has a “love” for the name Travis. “You’ve got to be able to play something called Travis,” Barkley said, to which Jason replied, “That’s a bada name. On the whole.”

After the former Eagles center asked if Barkley had thought of the name Jason, the former NBA star replied, “No.”