Travis Kelce Crashed ESPN's Monday Night Football Set (and Had Mic Issues)

Travis Kelce is one of the most famous athletes in the world, and when you are one of the most famous athletes in the world, ESPN’s Monday Night Football crew will find a microphone for you as quickly as possible.

Someone still has to remember to turn it on though.

On Monday, prior to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce made a cameo on ESPN’s set as the network prepared for arguably the most anticipated game of the season. As the hosts discussed Kelce, he bounded onto the stage enthusiastically and started talking some friendly trash about the weather with Scott Van Pelt.

As soon as it became clear that Kelce might be willing to do a little bit more than exchange pleasantries, an ESPN employee hustled onto the set holding a microphone. Kelce gamely accepted it, but the microphone wasn’t on. Kelce didn’t appear to be aware and kept talking.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday speaks in an interview before K.C.’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Kansas City, Missouri. Kelce crashed the ESPN set, much to the amusement of the hosts.
Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

As Kelce made his way around the desk exchanging handshakes, he looked at the camera and seemed surprised that it was live (despite taking the microphone just seconds before).

“Oh, we’re live?” Kelce exclaimed.

After Kelce finished his rounds, Van Pelt asked the Chiefs star if he was familiar with the Himmy Award. Monday Night Football’s new trophy was not universally well-received in Week 1 when Van Pelt debuted it, but Kelce had another enthusiastic response.

“I am him, that’s why,” Kelce said to general approval from the set. “I’m going for it tonight.”

Kelce added that he might return to the set postgame, then he resumed his pregame activities.

Kelce was expected to play an enormous role in Monday’s game for two reasons. First, of course, he is one of the Chiefs’ best players and a primary target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. When the Chiefs are at their best, their star duo clicks at a high level.

Second, in addition to being a Super Bowl rematch, Monday’s contest pitted Travis Kelce against his brother Jason. The duo have enjoyed enormous popularity this season for a number of reasons, but perhaps most notably due to Travis’ relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. The brothers also have one of the most popular podcasts in the world, New Heights, which has elevated their celebrity status even higher.

For that reason, it wouldn’t be a surprise if either brother was interviewed by ESPN postgame. Here’s hoping whoever hands them a mic remembers to turn it on.