Chiefs Star Travis Kelce Says 50–80% of NFL Players Use Cannabis—He Explains Exactly How They Beat the League’s Test
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce recently dropped a bombshell: he believes 50 to 80 percent of NFL players are using cannabis regularly. What’s more, he explained in a 2023 Vanity Fair interview how many athletes simply pause use before testing and escape penalties.
Kelce, a two-time Super Bowl champ, spoke openly about the league’s relaxed policy since 2021. Now, players are only tested during a short window at training camp. Kelce said, “If you just stop in the middle of July, you’re fine.” He even mentioned some quit just a week prior—then pass because of sweat and dilution.
Why It Matters
The NFL changed its cannabis rules in 2021—scrapping suspensions and shrinking testing periods to two weeks .Now, players often rely on natural methods—exercising in heat and hydrating heavily—to flush their systems. According to Kelce, “nobody’s really getting hit for it anymore.” This candid moment is different from the usual locker-room talk—it breaks the silence on the scale of cannabis use in pro football.
Experts say this shift reflects changing cultural views on cannabis. The NFL and NFLPA have even funded studies into CBD and other marijuana-derived pain treatments. That doesn’t mean the league is endorsing cannabis—it just shows the stigma is fading.
Kelce’s Own History
Back in college, Kelce faced real consequences. He was suspended for a year after failing a THC test at the University of Cincinnati in 2010. He admitted he felt embarrassed, but says the experience taught him resilience—and eventually shaped his path to NFL stardom.
The Bigger Debate
Kelce isn’t the first to suggest widespread usage. Former NFL players like Martellus Bennett and Ricky Williams have estimated upwards of 80% of their peers might use cannabis. Combined with Kelce’s insider account, it throws a spotlight on how outdated NFL cannabis rules have become—and how easily players can slip through the cracks.
His frankness has revived talk about whether athletes should face penalties at all—or if cannabis belongs in pro sports discussions around pain relief and mental health.
What’s Next?
The NFL is watching closely. More testing? Tighter windows? Or deeper acceptance? With top players like Kelce stepping forward, the league may be forced to revisit its cannabis stance—especially as legalization spreads and medical use gains momentum.