Travis Kelce Reveals His ‘O.G. Nickname’ Before Jason’s ‘Big Yeti’ Fame! 🏈😂

Travis Kelce is no stranger to nicknames—whether it’s the beloved moniker given to him by his brother Jason Kelce, or one from his early NFL career that has a hilarious backstory. On the April 1 episode of their podcast New Heights, the two Kelce brothers took a trip down memory lane, discussing some of Travis’s earliest nicknames, including one that has now become a funny relic of his early days in the NFL.

The ‘Hoopsie’ Era

Travis, now 36, revealed during the podcast that, before Jason coined the famous “Big Yeti” nickname, his “O.G. nickname” was actually “Hoopsie”. The story behind it goes back to the early days of Travis’s NFL career in 2013-2014, when he was still finding his footing with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The nickname “Hoopsie” was born because of his love for wearing hoop earrings at the time. “I was struggling coming out of the huddle every day, wearing my hoop earrings,” Travis laughed. “They called me ‘Hoopsie’ back when I was screwing things up around the Kansas City facility.”

It seems the nickname was an affectionate one, poking fun at the fact that Travis, back then, was a young, energetic player who occasionally found himself making mistakes, but his style—especially his hoops—left a lasting impression. “Travis running around the Kansas City facility screwing s–t up, being called Hoopsie,” Jason added with a smile.

A Humorous Reminder of the Past

When Travis was presented with a photo of himself during those early NFL days, complete with long hair and earrings, he couldn’t help but reminisce about the nickname. “That’s back when they called me ‘Hoopsie’ because I had the hoops and I used to mess up plays all the time,” he recalled with humor. “Yeah, [I’ve] come a long way. Go Chiefs!”

The brothers jokingly discussed the idea of bringing back “Hoopsie” merch, with Jason teasing, “Do we need Hoopsie merch?” Travis laughed and jokingly responded, “Get Tommy Hilfiger on it,” referring to his upcoming collaboration with the iconic American fashion brand. The idea of a “Hoopsie line” quickly became a fun inside joke between the brothers.

Jason Kelce’s ‘Big Yeti’ Moniker

While “Hoopsie” may have been a thing of the past, Jason Kelce has a far more enduring and widely recognized nickname for his brother—“Big Yeti.” The nickname, which has stuck through the years, traces back to Travis’s time at the University of Cincinnati, where he was known to participate in pickup basketball games alongside his football training.

Jason explained on the podcast that during those games, Travis, who sported a big beard, long hair, and plenty of body hair, looked like a “big ole Yeti” on the court. “I had the big beard, I had the long hair, I had the chest hair, back hair, arm hair, leg hair … I was just a big ole Yeti out there, man,” Travis said with a grin. “All the homies on the court were calling me ‘Big Yeti.’ Especially ‘cause I was a low post player, so I was just down there giving work, handing out work in the post.”

The Kelce Brothers’ Dynamic: From Hoopsie to Big Yeti

The “Big Yeti” nickname has remained a staple of the brothers’ dynamic, and Jason has even been spotted wearing Big Yeti T-shirts. It’s clear that Jason’s affectionate nickname for Travis has become more than just a fun quirk; it’s a symbol of the close bond they share as brothers.

In a previous episode of New Heights, Jason also acknowledged that his fiancée, Taylor Swift, had her own unique nickname for Travis. During her appearance on the podcast, Taylor referred to Travis as a “human exclamation point,” a description that Jason couldn’t help but praise. “That might be better than Big Yeti, the human exclamation point,” Jason said with a chuckle, adding, “She’s f—ing good with words.”

Taylor Swift’s Impact on Travis Kelce’s Public Persona

While the “Big Yeti” nickname may be reserved for family, Taylor Swift’s “human exclamation point” description adds another layer to the way people see Travis, especially with the couple’s high-profile relationship making headlines. Swift’s playful yet loving nickname for Travis speaks to his infectious energy, a quality that seems to resonate not only with his family but with fans as well.

Travis’s playful interaction with his brother, along with his candidness about his early NFL days and his growth since, showcases a side of him that fans don’t often get to see—one filled with humor, nostalgia, and a clear sense of family pride.

Legacy, Laughter, and Family Bonds

The New Heights podcast continues to offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at the Kelce brothers’ unique relationship, offering more than just football insights. It’s a space where they can joke, reminisce, and share personal stories, giving fans a glimpse into their tight-knit bond. Whether it’s Travis’s early “Hoopsie” days, Jason’s ongoing “Big Yeti” moniker, or Taylor Swift’s playful nickname for her fiancé, the Kelce family’s dynamics are always a source of entertainment.

As Travis’s career continues to evolve, it’s clear that he remains grounded by his family, and these nicknames, however playful, are just a small part of the larger legacy he’s building—not just on the field, but in the hearts of fans who love the Kelce brothers for who they are off the field as much as they do for their football prowess.

In the end, the Kelce brothers prove that even in the high-stakes world of professional football, there’s always room for humor, family, and a little bit of nostalgia—whether it’s in the form of “Hoopsie” or “Big Yeti.”