"Everyone's at risk": When Travis Kelce opened up about almost falling into opioid addiction
Travis Kelce is one of the most well-known faces in professional football, helping him to support important causes. In 2018, he worked with Cigna to bring attention to the growing opioid crisis in the United States.
As part of a campaign, "Opioid Education Program," the tight end spoke with the Kansas City Star when the campaign was launched and discussed how opioids are acquired so easily.
Kelce noted that he had undergone eight surgeries in nine years for football-related injuries. He said that he was just prescribed painkillers to help combat the pain and that he soon realized that anyone could become addicted to the feeling of relief opioids give.
"During my first surgery, I had no idea that these pain medications were something that I was going to want, that my body was going to want, and that I was going to feel uncomfortable if I didn't have these."-said Kelce in 2018
Travis Kelce also said that while he was fortunate enough that he didn't become addicted to the painkillers, it is easy to see how anyone could become addicted.
"Everyone's at risk."-Kelce added
Since the campaign in 2018, the education and awareness of opioid use have continued throughout the United States.
When Travis Kelce partnered with Pfizer to endorse the COVID-19 vaccine
In 2023, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce teamed up with Pfizer to create commercials promoting the COVID-19 booster shots. The theme of the campaign was that a person could get both the flu shot and COVID-19 booster shot at the same time.
The "two things at once" commercials aired during NFL broadcasts throughout the season, showing Kelce doing multiple tasks at once. His mother, Donna Kelce, also made a cameo in the Pfizer commercials.
In 2021, Kelce also partnered with Walgreens to air commercials encouraging Americans to get the initial COVID-19 vaccine.
Whether it's opioid addiction or vaccines, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end isn't afraid to voice his support for various causes, hoping to inspire others.