For anyone who didn’t know who Travis Kelce before he started dating Taylor Swift, his sudden interest in acting might seem kind of out of the blue. The Kansas City Chiefs star has his own show on Amazon, Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? Along with a role on American Horror Story: Grotesquerie. He’s even got an upcoming role in the Happy Gilmore sequel in the works.

Yet, those closely following Kelce’s career know that his journey into entertainment isn’t exactly a new hobby for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end. Back in 2016, he starred in Catching Kelce, a dating reality show that hinted at his potential in the entertainment realm beyond the football field.

His recent roles only underscore what Sinquia Wells, a fellow actor, describes as Kelce’s “natural, innate charisma and personality.” Wells, who noticed a billboard of Kelce in Grotesquerie, explained to TMZ how Kelce’s magnetic presence is something that would have shone through eventually, whether or not Swift was by his side.

Wells is no stranger to the blend of sports and acting himself, having played Jamarcus Hall in Season 4 of Friday Night Lights. The actor sees Kelce’s transition into acting as an extension of his sports persona. “I feel like if you can translate that into your role as an actor — if you can try and channel it, then it’ll be good,” Wells commented.

While some Swifties might assume Swift’s stardom has propelled Kelce’s Hollywood ambitions, Wells pointed out that Kelce’s stellar record with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning the Super Bowl for the 2019 and 2022 seasons. “Nah, he’s a champion,” Wells remarked, dismissing the notion that Swift is the sole driving force behind Kelce’s acting career. “Over the last few years that man has won so many championships with him and [Patrick] Mahomes. They’ve been growing together, they both have built a bigger profile. I think with that comes more exposure and more opportunities, which it should.”

While his relationship with Swift has undoubtedly influenced Kelce’s acting career, he is simply a charismatic guy. Even without Swift, his access and charm would likely lead him to pursue acting in some capacity.

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