We all know the ‘Tight End University’ co-founder was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round (63rd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft to mark the start of his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
But Kelce’s NFL journey could have turned out very differently – or so he thought – ahead of that year’s draft.
The University of Cincinnati alum once recounted getting a call from the Missouri area code on the eve of the 2013 draft.
Kelce automatically assumed it was the success-starved St. Louis Rams – who moved to Los Angeles in 2016 – calling about potentially selecting him.
“In my head I’m like, ‘Saint Louis?'” a visibly pained Kelce recalled.
“Come on, I don’t even want to answer this.”
Fortunately for Kelce, it turned out to be a call from the other Missouri-based team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Specifically, it was a personal call from head coach Andy Reid about the prospect of Kelce joining his team.
“I answered the call, and I’m originally thinking – it’s a Missouri number – so I’m originally thinking it’s St. Louis. And I’m thinking ‘oh crap, I’m going to freaking, I’m going to the Rams? Come on!’
