Becoming a parent is often described as life’s greatest adventure, and for NFL superstar Travis Kelce, the journey toward fatherhood may already be off to a comical start. Recently, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end turned to none other than his longtime friend and teammate, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, for some real talk on what it means to be a dad. What Kelce got in return was not exactly the soothing reassurance he might have hoped for—it was more like a playful warning wrapped in humor.

According to Kelce, Mahomes, who has two young children with his wife Brittany, didn’t sugarcoat the reality of fatherhood. His lighthearted yet brutally honest advice? “Be prepared—it’s terrible.” The statement, delivered with Mahomes’ trademark grin, was less about discouragement and more about solidarity, a kind of brotherly initiation into the wild, sleepless, messy, and unforgettable world of parenting.

For those who know the bond between the two athletes, this exchange was perfectly in character. Kelce and Mahomes have built their careers side by side, sharing Super Bowl victories, tough losses, and countless hours on the field. Their chemistry has long been praised as one of the most dynamic in the NFL, and it seems that their off-field friendship is equally rich with humor and honesty. So when Kelce sought advice, it’s no surprise Mahomes gave him a response that was both practical and teasing.

The “terrible” part, of course, refers to the less glamorous aspects of raising kids—the sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, tantrums, and the sudden disappearance of personal time. Every parent knows that those early months can be overwhelming. But if there’s one thing Mahomes understands, it’s that the difficult parts are also accompanied by indescribable joy, pride, and moments that make the chaos worthwhile. His dry humor simply served as a way to let Kelce know: buckle up, because the ride will be unlike anything else.

Kelce, who has recently been making headlines not just for his football achievements but also for his high-profile relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift, has plenty on his plate already. Balancing fame, career, and personal life is challenging enough—adding fatherhood into the mix could make things even more entertaining. Still, judging by Kelce’s easygoing personality and his knack for handling pressure on the field, fans can expect him to step into the role of “dad” with his trademark mix of humor and heart.

The interaction between Kelce and Mahomes also reflects something deeper about sports camaraderie. Beyond touchdowns and trophies, there’s a very human element—players leaning on each other not only for strategy and performance but also for life advice, however tongue-in-cheek it may be. Their friendship reminds fans that even superstars face the same challenges as everyone else: sleepless nights, cranky babies, and the overwhelming responsibility of nurturing a new life.

If Mahomes’ advice was meant to scare Kelce, it probably didn’t work. More likely, it reassured him in the most honest way possible. After all, if one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks can juggle championship runs and bedtime routines, then surely Kelce can find his own rhythm too.

And so, while the phrase “it’s terrible” might not sound comforting at first, in the language of friendship it translates to something far more encouraging: it’s tough, but it’s worth it—and you’ll never regret it.