Back in 2013, Alex Smith thought he was just tossing a playbook to a rookie. Instead, he got a front-row seat to the wildest glow-up in Chiefs history. Travis Kelce hobbled into camp with a bum knee and a rep for treating curfew like a suggestion.
A young third-round pick. Raw, loud, and hobbling through summer practices. The Kansas City Chiefs saw immense talent in Travis Kelce back in 2013. However, they also saw a project. The road to glory was far from guaranteed. It was a winding path filled with significant doubts.
On the September 3rd episode of the ‘New Heights’ podcast, former Chiefs legendary quarterback Alex Smith revealed startling honesty. He admitted he never predicted Kelce’s Hall of Fame destiny. Smith pointed directly at early concerns, stating, "There were some question marks about Trav and his professionalism." This candid insight brings light back on Kelce's origin story.
Smith’s recollection isn’t just hearsay. It echoes pre-draft worries that caused Kelce to slide. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys famously passed on him. Travis admitted that himself earlier in March this year. At the combine, they pressed him about "having this red flag of missing a year."
His suspension at Cincinnati was a major red flag. The league’s perception was of a talented kid who might not figure it out. The Chiefs, however, saw past the noise. General Manager John Dorsey and Coach Andy Reid believed they had stolen a gem.
Smith recalled their mindset: "they were like, 'We got a guy.' Like that was the belief that, like, 'listen, we got a guy in the third round... we feel like he can be a player.'" Their faith was immense, but the start was rocky. Kelce’s rookie year was a complete wash. He underwent a severe microfracture surgery. Smith remembered, "I remember you out there trying to run through like routes that summer, hobbling around, bro."
He played exactly one snap his entire first season. That single play was a special teams effort where he famously faked a knee injury to avoid blocking. This early chapter was far from the legendary work ethic we know today. It was a player learning how to be a pro.
The Principal’s Office & Patience That Made Travis Kelce
Travis braved controversies right from his college career. But Andy Reid’s role proved crucial. He became the perfect mentor for a young, spirited Kelce. The coach exhibited immense patience. Smith highlighted this unique environment, "Andy doesn't... like, there's no judgment, right? Like, he remembers what it's like to be a 21-year-old kid."
Kelce confirmed this, laughing about being called to the "principal's office a time or two those first few years." His impression of the summons was simple: "'Hey, Andy wants to see you.' Huh? I wonder why." Reid’s approach wasn’t about punishment. It was about guidance. He provided a structure that allowed Kelce’s personality to thrive without derailing his career.
Kelce credits watching veterans like Smith. He learned by observation. "I got to see everything from, like, I just got to sit back and watch guys like you, guys like [Anthony] Fasano. Then guys like Jeremy Maclin come in and, like, be pros and show me how it's done at the professional level," Kelce said during the episode. That injury-riddled redshirt year became a secret weapon. He absorbed the professional standard.
The transformation wasn't overnight. Kelce admitted professionalism "kind of worked out in my favor... eventually it clicked for me." His breakout 2014 season silenced doubters. He led the team in receiving yards without a single touchdown from a wide receiver. The project was finally paying off in spectacular fashion.
This journey underscores a vital NFL truth. Talent is only part of the equation. Development systems and organizational culture are everything. The Chiefs’ belief and Reid’s mentorship unlocked a generational talent. They turned question marks into exclamation points.
Shakespeare had it right: “The valiant never taste of death but once.” Kelce tasted knee pain, suspensions, and doubt—then spat out a dynasty.