# The Pre-Game Process of Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce is widely considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL. As a key part of the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs offense, Kelce relies on precision and focus to dominate on the field. But what does his process look like before stepping onto the field each Sunday? Specific details about Kelce’s pre-game routine haven’t been widely shared, but through reports and observing other players’ rituals, we can gain insight into how he prepares his mind and body for gameday.
## Shared Team Rituals
Like many successful sports teams, the Chiefs have developed shared pre-game traditions to build camaraderie and focus. One ritual Kelce is known to participate in is a bathroom visit with his brother Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles. Jason, an All-Pro center, is renowned for his own pre-game routines. The brothers use their bathroom trip as a way to loosen up and share a light moment before the intensity of the game.
“We just go in there and talk crap to each other,” Travis told reporters. “It’s a little sibling rivalry and trash talk to get the juices flowing.” Having this shared moment with his brother serves as a reminder of family for Travis while also getting him into a competitive mindset.
Other Chiefs players have detailed their pre-game locker room rituals. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill blasts hip hop music as the team stretches. Defensive tackle Chris Jones leads the team in dancing to get the blood pumping. And quarterback Patrick Mahomes will give an impassioned pre-game speech right before heading out to the field.
It’s reasonable to assume Kelce is an active participant in these team rituals. The bonding experiences and stress relief they provide are important for an elite NFL offense that relies on precision. Getting loose yet focused alongside teammates would be vital for Kelce as he prepares to take on his physical role for the Chiefs.
## Personal Strategies
While team rituals play a part, elite athletes also develop personal pre-game routines tailored to their individual needs and strategies. For Travis Kelce, this likely involves a blend of physical, mental, and spiritual preparation techniques.
Physically, Kelce is known to take his warmup very seriously. He’ll spend extra time stretching, catching balls from the Jugs machine, and perfecting his route running footwork. As a tight end, Kelce relies on quickness, strength, and precise movements – ensuring his body is loose yet engaged is critical. His physical routine helps manage nerves while also getting his large frame fully ready for the demands of an NFL game.
Mentally, Kelce probably visualizes his assignments and how he’ll execute. Top athletes commonly use visualization to program their subconscious minds. Picturing himself dominating his blocks or catching touchdowns from Mahomes would help Kelce enter the mental “zone” needed to perform at a high level under pressure.
Spiritually, Kelce’s strong Christian faith also informs his routine. He’s been known to spend quiet time in prayer before games, something he credits for giving him perspective and confidence. Finding inner peace through faith is a calming ritual for Kelce that readies him to face any adversity on the field.
Like many players, music also plays a role for Kelce. He’s been seen getting pumped up while listening to hip hop or rap through headphones as he prepares. Music is a scientifically proven way to boost mood, energy levels, and focus – all important for an NFL game. Selecting the right high-tempo playlist allows Kelce to fully enter his “zone”.
## Pre-Game Meal and Hydration
Fueling his body properly on gamedays is another crucial part of Kelce’s routine. While he doesn’t share exact details, reports indicate Kelce focuses on clean, high-protein meals in the 3-4 hours before kickoff. Good sources of protein like chicken or fish provide sustained energy without an digestive upset. Complex carbs from foods like sweet potatoes also supply long-lasting fuel without heavy feelings.
Staying hydrated is equally important. Dehydration can negatively impact performance, so Kelce ensures his water intake is on point in the days and hours leading up to a game. Electrolyte drinks may also play a role in his hydration plan to replace what’s lost through sweat. Proper nutrition and hydration are the foundations upon which an elite athletic performance is built.
## Final Focus and Warmup
In the hour before kickoff, Kelce enters his final focus stage of pre-game preparation. Any distractions are eliminated as he mentally visualizes upcoming assignments and gets into a rhythm. At this point, any nerves have been converted into positive energy and focus.
Kelce then joins his teammates for an intensive warmup, taking the field approximately 30 minutes prior to kickoff. His warmup consists of dynamic stretches, sprints, and football-specific drills like route running to elevate his body temperature and lubricate his joints. Getting a good sweat establishes the right physiological and psychological state needed for peak performance.
The Chiefs’ high-intensity warmup also serves to bond the team as they engage in competitive drills together. This final stage of preparation gets Kelce and his teammates primed to dominate from the opening kickoff. When the time comes to take the field for real, they’re a cohesive unit fully locked into their assignments and roles.
## Executing Under the Lights
All the physical, mental, spiritual and team-focused preparations Travis Kelce undertakes in the hours and minutes before kickoff culminate in his laser-sharp on-field execution. With nerves converted to positive energy, body and mind primed, and spiritual confidence bolstered, Kelce is able to consistently dominate against the NFL’s best defenses.
Whether it’s hauling in acrobatic touchdown catches, plowing through defenders to spring big runs, or motivating his teammates through leadership, Kelce elevates his game when the lights shine brightest. His meticulous pre-game routine ensures he’s able to consistently perform at an elite level on Sundays and beyond. Through shared and personal rituals, Kelce mentally and physically optimizes himself to be the difference maker his team needs.
It’s this process, repeated week after week, that has Kelce established himself as the premier tight end in the NFL today. While he keeps many specifics private, it’s clear an organized, focused pre-game routine anchored by team bonding, spiritual reflection, physical and mental preparation fuels Kelce’s dominance. Elite athletes succeed not just on talent, but through optimizing every aspect of their process – a lesson the details of Travis Kelce’s preparation underscores.
