Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, is stepping off the football field and into the world of acting with his debut in Ryan Murphy’s new horror series, Grotesquerie. The show, which also stars Niecy Nash-Betts and Courtney B. Vance, is set to premiere on September 25 on FX. While details about Kelce’s role are being kept under wraps, the teaser trailer gives a glimpse of the eerie atmosphere, featuring a small town plagued by unsettling events. Kelce has expressed his excitement about this new venture, calling it “jumping into new territory” and enjoying his time on set despite the show’s terrifying premise.
Kelce’s foray into acting is the latest in a line of NFL stars who have tried their hand at Hollywood. Some, like O.J. Simpson and Terry Crews, have found success, transitioning smoothly from sports to the screen. Simpson, before his infamous legal troubles, appeared in several films, including The Naked Gun series, while Crews became a beloved actor known for his roles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and White Chicks. However, not all NFL players have had such a smooth transition.
For instance, Joe Namath, one of football’s most iconic figures, struggled to replicate his gridiron success in Hollywood. Namath starred in several films in the 1970s, including C.C. and Company, but his acting career never quite took off, and he eventually returned to football-related endeavors. Similarly, Howie Long, another NFL great, attempted to break into action films with roles in movies like Firestorm but found his acting career short-lived.
As Kelce embarks on this new chapter, it remains to be seen whether he will join the ranks of successful athlete-turned-actors or if his Hollywood journey will be more of a passing venture. Regardless, his willingness to take on new challenges reflects the versatility and ambition that have defined his football career.
