As NFL star Travis Kelce moves from the football field to the silver screen, Hollywood insiders are weighing in on his potential to transition into acting. Kelce, best known for his role as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and his high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, is set to star in the highly anticipated sequel Happy Gilmore 2, alongside Adam Sandler. This marks a significant leap into the acting world for the 35-year-old, who has already made appearances in TV series like Grotesquerie and hosted Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? on Prime Video.
Hollywood experts are cautiously optimistic about his prospects. “His acting was really good and funny, and he was just a genuinely nice guy,” said Happy Gilmore 2 director Dennis Dugan, praising Kelce’s performance in the film. Kelce’s personality and natural charm have garnered attention, but making a successful leap into acting isn’t always easy for athletes.
While some athletes like LeBron James and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have found success in Hollywood, others have struggled to make the transition. Still, Kelce’s background as a reality TV star, including his role in the 2016 dating series Catching Kelce, may give him a unique edge. “He was fully invested in the experience,” said Catching Kelce producer Sam Berns.
The road ahead won’t be easy, as athletes often face skepticism from the public when transitioning to acting. “The public will automatically be skeptical,” said acting coach Howard Fine, emphasizing that athletes must prove they are more than just famous faces. Still, Kelce’s enthusiasm, work ethic, and charisma could give him the tools he needs to make a successful career shift.
In addition to Happy Gilmore 2, Kelce is also executive producing the indie film My Dead Friend Zoe, set to release in late February. As Kelce embarks on this exciting new chapter, only time will tell if he can tackle Hollywood with the same skill he displays on the football field.
