The Chiefs' Travis Kelce is one of the NFL's premier athletic pass-catching tight ends. When it comes to larger-than-life personalities, he's also among the league's coolest players.
Taking on tough, trash-talking defenders at a physically demanding position is one thing. Taking and surviving the Paqui #OneChipChallenge is something completely different for Kelce.
The 28-year-old talked to Sporting News about the experience of eating the Carolina Reaper Madness Chip — Paqui's latest world's hottest chip.
"It's shockingly spicy as all hell," he said. "Every single warning you see, the tombstone on the box, they're there for a reason. It's not just smoke and mirrors. It's literally letting everyone know this is the real deal."
Kelce has only tip for those who want to experience the same madness — be prepared to burn more than the tip of your tongue.
"Just go into it knowing you're going to feel really uncomfortable," he said. "That's the best advice I can give anybody. It doesn't matter how accustomed to spicy foods you are. If you are a spicy-food eater and you like hot stuff naturally, it doesn't matter what your tolerance is. It's going to make you very uncomfortable very quickly."
There's nothing uncomfortable about how Kelce and the Chiefs' offense is operating through a 5-2 start to the 2017 season. The offense has never been at a higher level, as all their offenisve skill players are in a total groove with their quarterback and play-caller.
"This year we're rolling because Alex Smith is rolling. It's impressive to see him use the entire field like he has," Kelce said. "He's always been a guy who can throw the ball to anywhere he wants to. He's getting the ball down the middle field where guys are in position to make big plays.
"Andy Reid does a great job of getting guys in position to make those plays, too. It's just confidence and chemistry, a core group of guys that have been together since Coach Reid, Alex and myself came in (2013). It's been five years, so there's a lot more chemistry and accountability."
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Kelce is happy to be having a bigger blast with the game he loves, but he knows it still comes down to the Chiefs cashing in the ultimate chip.
"It's always fun when we're rolling," Kelce said. "This year has been fun, but it's going to be a lot better if we end up where we haven't been yet — with a Super Bowl ring."
