Travis Kelce credits his “magic” mustache for being a key to the Kansas City Chiefs’ ongoing success and their recent winning streaks. The 35-year-old tight end has made growing out his signature facial hair a preseason tradition, one that’s brought good fortune to the team, including three Super Bowl victories.
Kelce, who has sported the mustache during NFL training camps for the last few years, recently told People that he has no intention of shaving it off, especially given its winning track record. “I grow out the ‘stache every training camp — or at least I have the past three or four years since we’ve been making these title runs in honor of coach Andy Reid,” Kelce shared. He recalled how the tradition began, explaining that a few of the offensive linemen and skill players joined in on the fun during the first year.
What started as a lighthearted joke quickly became a staple for the superstitious star, who believes the mustache has contributed to the team’s winning streaks. Kelce explained, “There’s always magic to the ‘stache.
There’s an aura around it. It just brings success.” And success certainly followed — the Chiefs secured Super Bowl titles in 2020, 2023, and 2024. With a 6-0 start to the 2024 season, the Chiefs are poised to chase another championship in 2025, and Kelce’s mustache seems to be along for the ride.
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While the mustache is typically how Kelce begins the season, it often evolves into a full beard by year’s end. However, he remains committed to starting each season with the trademark facial hair, paying homage to head coach Andy Reid. “He is the walrus!” Kelce said of Reid. “He’s got that thing looking beautiful every single day.”
In July 2024, Kelce returned to training camp sporting his signature mustache, despite spending much of the offseason with a neatly trimmed beard. The switch back to his camp look wasn’t a surprise to fans, as Kelce explained on his New Heights podcast, “Well, I always do the Andy Reid special, baby.”
Though Kelce reverted to his iconic mustache, he also debuted a new hairstyle — one that got approval from Taylor Swift. His longer locks gave him a fresh look, making him feel “kind of like a different character with the ‘stache.” Despite the new hair, Kelce kept his focus on training camp, noting that while he’s there, he doesn’t worry much about his appearance. “I just want to be there and try to make it the most enjoyable experience ever,” he shared.
Whether it’s the mustache or the team’s undeniable talent, one thing’s for sure: Kelce isn’t shaving off his lucky charm anytime soon, especially with another Super Bowl within reach.
