Travis Kelce of the Chiefs speculates that 50-80 percent of NFL players are smokers...

50-80% of NFL players use marijuana, says Travis Kelce.

If you were curious about the prevalence of marijuana use among NFL players, Travis Kelce, a two-time Super Bowl Champion and tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has some insight for you. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Kelce estimated that anywhere from 50-80 percent of NFL players use marijuana.

As the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana has expanded to more states, the NFL adjusted its drug testing policy in 2021. During the offseason, players are no longer tested for THC, making it easier for them to continue using marijuana, according to Kelce.

Kelce explained, "If you just stop in the middle of July, you're fine. A lot of guys stop a week before and they still pass because everybody's working out in the heat and sweating their tail off. Nobody's really getting hit for it anymore."

This sentiment was echoed by free agent running back Le'Veon Bell, who admitted to smoking marijuana before NFL games during an interview on the "Steel Here" podcast in May. Bell stated, "Looking back on this, that's what I did. When I was playing football, I smoked, bro. Even before the games, I'd smoke and I'd go out there and run for 150, two touchdowns."

While marijuana remains illegal under federal law, 23 states have legalized its recreational use. This represents a significant shift from Kelce's own experience in college, when he was suspended for the entire 2010 season at the University of Cincinnati after testing positive for marijuana.

Reflecting on the suspension, Kelce admitted feeling "so embarrassed" and not wanting to face anyone during that time. He ended up staying with his brother Jason for the duration of the suspension. Even Kelce's father, Ed, was perplexed by the punishment, expressing his frustration by saying, "All the while, I'm biting my tongue about how stupid it is that they're going to suspend a college kid for smoking pot. Give me a fucking break."

Despite the setback, Kelce returned to the Bearcats in 2011 and has since established himself as one of the top tight ends in football. He has achieved great success, winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs.

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