Even though they’re on opposite sides once the NFL whistle blows, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield are proving that some rivalries can lead to real friendships—at least off the field.
Recently, the two NFL stars crossed paths somewhere far from the turf: Lake Tahoe, California, where they both took part in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.
Golf, Boats, and Beers in Tahoe
Kelce wasn’t alone at the event—he was joined by his brother Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center.
The NFL sibling duo weren’t just there to swing clubs but to enjoy a bit of summer downtime.
Also in the mix? Baker Mayfield, who was seen enjoying the event alongside other football favorites like Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, and George Kittle.
A snapshot from the weekend surfaced on social media, showing Travis and Jason Kelce hanging out on a boat with Mayfield.
Travis even had a beer in hand, confirming that yes, NFL stars really do relax like the rest of us.
Baker Joins the Kelce Brothers on Their Podcast
Shortly after their Tahoe getaway, Mayfield made a guest appearance on the Kelce brothers’ popular New Heights podcast.
It was one of the final episodes before the show’s annual preseason break.
Every year, the podcast takes a brief pause when Travis returns to Chiefs training camp to gear up for the new NFL season.
And with that camp now underway, New Heights is once again on hiatus.
No Showdown in the 2025 Regular Season
For fans hoping to see Kelce and Mayfield face off this season, there’s a bit of bad news—their teams aren’t scheduled to play each other during the 2025 NFL regular season.
Instead, the Chiefs will open their season in dramatic fashion on September 5, going head-to-head with the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers kick off their campaign just two days later with a short trip to face the Atlanta Falcons.
Mayfield Dealing With Minor Injury
As the Bucs prepare for that opener, Mayfield is dealing with a slight setback.
The 30-year-old quarterback picked up a hand contusion during practice this week, but his coach Todd Bowles quickly reassured fans that it’s nothing serious.
“He’s got a sore hand,” Bowles explained on Friday. “We gave him the day off.
He’s day-to-day. We’re not worried about him.”
Last Season’s Endings Were Worlds Apart
Last season ended very differently for Mayfield and Kelce.
The Buccaneers were edged out in a tight 23-20 Wild Card loss to the Washington Commanders, led by rookie QB Jayden Daniels.
On the other hand, Kelce and the Chiefs made it all the way to the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, it didn’t end the way they hoped—they were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles, 40-22.
Kelce Considered Retirement, Then Changed His Mind
Following that Super Bowl loss, Travis Kelce reportedly contemplated stepping away from the game.
But ultimately, the three-time Super Bowl champ decided he wasn’t ready to walk away—especially not after such a tough ending.
And now, as he gears up for a fresh campaign with the Chiefs, his bond with Mayfield adds a bit of warmth to what’s otherwise a high-stakes, high-pressure grind.
Brotherhood in the NFL Goes Beyond the Field
Even in a league known for fierce competition, friendships like the one between Travis Kelce and Baker Mayfield show that mutual respect, a few laughs, and a shared boat ride can go a long way.
The season may separate them by jerseys and scoreboards—but off the field, the camaraderie stays strong.