Trey Smith Praises Travis Kelce: “He’s Awful—I Love This Guy” – NFL Wires

Trey Smith Praises Travis Kelce: “He’s Awful—I Love This Guy” – NFL Wires

New Chiefs guard Trey Smith opens up about his first impression of Travis Kelce, calling him “awful” in energy but lovable. Get the full story on NFL Wires.

Introduction

In an engaging and heartfelt moment, Kansas City Chiefs’ franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith described his unforgettable first impression of tight end Travis Kelce—with the exact phrase: “He’s awful—I love this guy.” This revelation gives us a glimpse into Kelce’s legendary personality and sheds light on the tight-knit culture of the Chiefs.

Crazy Energy: First Encounters on the Field

Wild First Impression

On the New Heights podcast, Smith shared his raw reaction to Kelce’s high-octane presence:

“Just crazy energy… I was like, ‘Oh, he’s awful—I love this guy.’” 

 

It was during Smith’s rookie season in 2021, in Week 1 against the Browns, that Kelce lit up the field with two touchdowns—prompting Smith to jokingly tackle him and exclaim “psycho.”

From Rookie to Family

Despite the initial intensity, Smith quickly realized Kelce's genuine warmth:

“...how kind you were, bro… you really care for people, and you’re not afraid to give out your heart.” 

 

This balance between intense competitiveness and heartfelt mentorship is exactly what Kirkwood calls “the heart and soul of the Chiefs' locker room.”

Kelce’s Fire: More Than Just Stats

A Fiery Spirit

Kelce’s competitive nature isn’t just for show—it bursts through in camp drills and touchdown celebrations. Trey’s story about slapping Kelce’s helmet captures that electric energy. 

On-Field Leadership

Despite his heat, Kelce remains beloved in the locker room. Players admire how he mixes motivational fire with compassion—raising the team’s energy while building genuine relationships.

Why This Matters for Chiefs Nation

1. Culture Over Talent – The Chiefs’ success under coach Andy Reid and stars like Patrick Mahomes is rooted in a strong, supportive locker-room culture. Kelce exemplifies that.

2. Next-Gen Mentorship – As a six-round pick, Smith benefitted from Kelce's guidance, just as Mahomes did before becoming an MVP. This cycle builds continuity.

3. Fan Insight – Stories like this bring fans closer, showing that beyond the stats and highlights, players bond as brothers.

Looking Ahead: Kareem, Kelce, and the Quest for More Rings

• Mahomes, Kelce, and Smith are preparing for another title hunt—this time with heightened expectations.

• Kelce, though entering his 13th season, remains determined, with fire fueled by past successes and setbacks.

Conclusion

Trey Smith’s offbeat praise—“He’s awful—I love this guy”—perfectly captures what makes Travis Kelce a unique force: electric energy, fierce leadership, and generous spirit. These human moments define the Chiefs’ championship mindset and underscore how key personalities keep NFL dynasties alive.

For more behind-the-scenes NFL coverage and player insights, stay tuned to NFL Wires.

Tyreek Hill Biography: Career, Stats, Net Worth & Life Story