Travis Kelce Admits Reading Struggles Made ‘SNL’ Table Read the “Hardest” Part of Hosting

Travis Kelce may be a powerhouse on the football field, but the Kansas City Chiefs tight end recently revealed that hosting Saturday Night Live pushed him far outside his comfort zone—and not for the reasons fans might think.

In a candid appearance on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast, Kelce opened up about the most difficult part of guest-hosting the long-running sketch comedy show: the table read. While many celebrities might cite the live performance or learning comic timing as the biggest hurdle, Kelce pointed to something more personal—his lifelong struggle with reading.

“The writers’ rooms were fun because you’re just getting pitched ideas,” Kelce recalled. “The table reading, for a guy that can’t really read that well, it was kind of a fucked situation.”

Kelce hosted SNL’s 14th episode of Season 48 on March 4, 2023, joined by country pop star Kelsea Ballerini as the musical guest. The athlete’s appearance was praised for its energy and charisma, but behind the scenes, Kelce was quietly navigating a challenge that left him feeling exposed and uncertain.

“I felt like I was just trying to get through the reading instead of actually acting it out and giving it a voice and giving it a character and things like that,” he said. “I was just focused on, ‘Don’t fucking skip this line.’”

Known for his commanding presence and lightning-fast reactions on the gridiron, Kelce found himself uncharacteristically vulnerable in the writers’ room. The table read, a pivotal part of SNL’s creative process where cast and crew sit around reading the week’s sketches aloud for the first time, became a personal obstacle for the NFL star.

But once that initial hurdle was behind him, Kelce found his footing in the comedy world. “I was so much more comfortable once we got through the table read and we got into the comedy and the silly stuff,” he said. “There was still a sense of like, ‘I need to be a professional here. I want to take advantage of this, but I want to have fun doing it. But I don’t want to look like a loser doing this.’”

For Kelce, hosting SNL wasn’t just about trying something new—it was about proving that he could rise to the occasion in an entirely different arena. “I want to make them respect my approach and how I’m like taking it serious,” he said. “But it was just a fun roller coaster, man.”

Kelce’s honesty about his reading difficulties highlights a topic rarely discussed among high-profile athletes and celebrities. Despite the pressure of live television and a steep learning curve, his willingness to confront and share this vulnerability has resonated with fans. His candid remarks echo the broader importance of recognizing learning differences—even among those at the top of their professions.

As his profile continues to grow beyond sports, Kelce has been making significant inroads in the entertainment industry. In addition to his SNL debut, he’s landed a recurring role in FX’s upcoming horror series Grotesquerie from American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy. And he’s set to appear in Netflix’s highly anticipated Happy Gilmore sequel, starring alongside Adam Sandler.

With his Hollywood aspirations gaining momentum and his off-field charisma earning praise, Kelce’s transition from NFL stardom to entertainment prominence seems to be accelerating. Yet, even amid the glitz of TV studios and film sets, the tight end remains grounded in authenticity—a trait that continues to endear him to audiences across the country.

For Kelce, confronting challenges head-on isn’t new—it just looks a little different without the pads and helmet. And if his SNL experience is any indication, he’s tackling his next chapter the same way he’s always approached the game: with grit, heart, and a willingness to learn.