Jason Kelce's 'Taviola' Nickname for Travis Kelce Goes Viral After Walter Payton Award Nod
Jason Kelce's 'Taviola' Nickname for Travis Goes Viral

Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL are abuzz on social media after a unique and unexpected message from Jason Kelce to his younger brother, Travis Kelce. The heartwarming moment unfolded shortly after Travis was officially announced as the Chiefs' nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, a significant milestone honouring his community service and playing excellence.

The Viral 'Taviola' Moment

Instead of a standard congratulatory post, Jason Kelce took to the social media platform X and penned a simple yet cryptic message: “Congrats Taviola.” This unfamiliar nickname instantly captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Within minutes, the post was flooded with replies, turning 'Taviola' into the latest viral sensation surrounding the star tight end.

Fans expressed a mix of curiosity and delight. One user commented, “Add 'Traviola' the list of nicknames ? not sure what it means but I’m sure it’s just a big brother being a big brother.” Another fan celebrated the moment, writing, “Taviola, future hall of fame.” The widespread admission from fans that they had never heard the term before only added to its charm and mystery.

A Legend Built on Nicknames

For Travis Kelce, accumulating memorable nicknames is nothing new. They have become an integral part of his charismatic public persona, a trend amplified by the massive success of the New Heights podcast he hosts with Jason.

His nickname journey began in college at the University of Cincinnati, where he was dubbed “Big Yeti.” Jason has often cited this as a personal favourite, explaining that teammates coined it to describe Travis's formidable size and athleticism, particularly on the basketball court.

The list expanded dramatically in August when global music icon Taylor Swift appeared as a guest on the New Heights podcast. Swift referred to Kelce as “The Human Exclamation Point,” a fitting tribute to his energetic and overwhelmingly positive personality. The phrase was an instant hit with fans, and Jason even joked that it had dethroned 'Big Yeti' as his top choice.

Swift had previously, and famously, described him to her Eras Tour audience simply as “the guy on the Chiefs,” which itself spawned countless memes and online reactions. With Jason's latest post, “Taviola” now officially joins this ever-growing collection, though its exact origin and meaning remain a delightful enigma.

Amidst Growing Openness About Taylor Swift Relationship

The buzz around the new nickname coincides with a period where Travis Kelce has become notably more open about his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. On recent episodes of New Heights, he has shared anecdotes from their private life, including details of a romantic trip to Lake Como and other small glimpses into their world together.

Observant fans have also highlighted Kelce frequently wearing clothing inspired by Swift's work, from album-themed crewnecks to subtle nods to her tour. These gestures have become popular discussion points online, with many viewing them as evidence of the strong bond between the NFL superstar and the Grammy-winning artist.

Whether “Taviola” is a playful nod to this relationship, a long-held family joke, or something else entirely, is still unknown. But for Chiefs supporters and football fans across India and the globe, it has already cemented its place as the newest, most intriguing chapter in the evolving legend of Travis Kelce.