

Travis Kelce has built a legacy as one of the NFL’s most dominant tight ends, earning recognition for his elite performance, high energy, and charismatic off-field persona and earning an interesting nickname too.
So why is he dubbed Big Yeti?
The moniker may sound unusual at first, but its roots trace back to Kansas City Chiefs‘ star’s college years and reflect a mix of humor, style, and authenticity that has helped define his public image.
Before becoming a three-time Super Bowl champion, the 35-year-old was once playing college football at the University of Cincinnati. It was there, in the locker rooms and gymnasiums of his early career, that the nickname emerged.
Travis often played basketball shirtless and with long hair, a thick beard, and a visibly hairy chest and back, his appearance stood out to his teammates-who jokingly likened him to a mythical creature.
The comparison stuck, and Big Yeti became an inside joke that followed him into the NFL, also sending a nod to his fierce and physical playing style, especially in harsh weather conditions as he kept a high performance at all times.
The playful term gained even more traction when Travis and his brother Jason launched their podcast, New Heights, in which the older Kelce sibling regularly refers to the tight end as “Big Yeti,” sometimes even wearing T-shirts that bear the name in bold letters.
Jason has called it the best nickname Travis has ever had. Their banter around the name has resonated with fans as a symbol of Kelce‘s brash, unique and unapologetic personality.
Kelce cashes in on Big Yeti nickname
Recently, the nickname once again sparked conversation after Kelce was photographed shirtless during a workout in Miami with his chest and back hair drawing comments online – especially from the fans of his girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
So Kelce leaned into the attention, addressing it on New Heights with humor and pride as he proudly proclaimed his body hair is natural and that he’s completely comfortable with how he looks, embracing the persona.
And since then, the nickname has grown beyond a personal joke into a recognizable brand bearing cartoon images of a yeti in football gear. Now available to fans, Jason has been seen wearing such merch at games to support his brother.
The Chiefs will open their campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, marking the NFL’s first regular season game in South America. The matchup is part of the league’s broader effort to expand its global reach.
Kelce, as one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, is set to be at the center of it as the legend of Big Yeti continues to grow. Will it end with a Super Bowl ring after their three-peat died against the Philadelphia Eagles?
This news was originally published on this post .
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