Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce experienced an unexpected and tense moment during their appearance at the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe on July 11 when the NFL personalities found themselves face-to-face with a bear.
Fortunately, it was a black bear and not a grizzly, meaning both the incident could comfortably be handled as the pair were preparing to tee off on the 16th hole whilst the wild animal approached.
It was spotted behind a nearby fence, close enough to draw concern not just from Jason and Travis, but also from fans and event officials gathered in the vicinity as the bear lingered near the course briefly before wandering off without incident.
While the Kelce brothers have enjoyed an undefeated 7-0 career record against the Chicago Bears, this encounter involved a far more unpredictable and dangerous type of bear, although they are relatively docile and flee humans.
That isn’t always the case, however. Though no action had to be taken in this case, the presence of the animal came just days after a serious incident in South Lake Tahoe, where a black bear attacked a camper.
That bear was euthanized by park authorities after it had reportedly broken into homes, vehicles, and finally a trailer, where it injured a sleeping occupant. The bear’s two cubs were later taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Northern California.
Kelce brothers stay focused amid wild animal scare
Despite the shocking interruption, Jason and Travis Kelce remained composed, continuing their round of golf once it was safe to resume as their poise, even under unexpected stress, mirrors the mental toughness both men have displayed throughout their NFL careers.
Jason, who retired after a legendary career with the Philadelphia Eagles, has transitioned into broadcasting as an ESPN analyst. Travis, meanwhile, remains an integral part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense as he prepares for another season alongside Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.
The pair also run a successful podcast named ‘New Heights’, which releases an episode on a weekly basis and is valued immensely by the siblings. It’s also very popular and had 2.5 million subscribers in 2024, whilst also winning the Sports Podcast of the Year award by Sports Illustrated.
Travis will soon turn his attention back to the NFL as he prepares to avenge his Super Bowl LIX defeat in 2025/26, with an opening clash against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The tight end is widely expected to be entering his final year in the sport, as his Kansas City contract expires at the end of the campaign and retirement rumors continue to follow him around, whilst he also continues to grow his off-field portfolio and dates Taylor Swift.
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