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Travis Kelce has always had a passion for sports since childhood, but he didn't neglect his academics either. In a recent interview with Extra, published on Wednesday, Oct. 2, the host of Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?, aged 34, revealed that he was "one of those kids who performed quite well" in school, although he was "more focused on playing sports than hitting the books."
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end pointed out that when it comes to questions featured on the show—which tests celebrities on a variety of topics drawn from elementary school lessons—his strengths lie in "STEM subjects, like science and math."
"I stick to those areas. But when it comes to history questions, I'm often left thinking, 'I don't know if anyone knows that,' and it turns out everyone does except for me," he joked.
Kelce acknowledges his brother, retired player and Monday Night Countdown commentator Jason Kelce, as the more academically inclined sibling. "He was an honors student," Travis remarked. "He excelled in tests and took all advanced courses. I thought, 'That's too much homework for me.' I believe Jason would perform quite well on the show." He added, "I'd love to hear his thoughts on it when he watches."
The NFL star, also part of the Grotesquerie cast, expressed his excitement about hosting the Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? spinoff, which he was confirmed for in April. "I've always loved game shows growing up," he stated. "I'm thrilled to follow in the footsteps of numerous television legends by hosting my very first game show with Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? The original series has been a huge hit, and bringing a fresh format with beloved celebrities to the screen will undoubtedly be entertaining."
"I'm just glad to be on the hosting side of things and eager to see how these well-known faces perform," he added.
The lineup for the show features various celebrities, including comedians Nikki Glaser, Natasha Leggero, Nicole Byer, and Ron Funches, alongside Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent and podcaster Sophia Stallone. Other contestants include Lilly Singh, Thursday Night Football analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick, former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Garcelle Beauvais.
Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? is set to premiere with its first three episodes on Oct. 16 on Prime Video, followed by weekly episodes. Meanwhile, Kelce and the Chiefs are scheduled to play against the New Orleans Saints on Monday, Oct. 7, during ESPN's Monday Night Football.
