Adam Sandler Hails Travis Kelce as a Potential Superstar After His Honey‑Soaked 'Happy Gilmore 2' Cameo

26 June 2025

Travis Kelce in 'Happy Gilmore 2'. Credit: Netflix

In the Netflix sequel Happy Gilmore 2, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce makes a memorable cameo as a shirtless, honey-covered waiter who finds himself tied to a pole and comically attacked by a CGI bear in a surreal daydream an over-the-top moment that prompted widespread buzz.

Adam Sandler, who co-wrote and stars in the film, didn’t hold back when praising Kelce’s performance. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Sandler called Kelce “a great, great actor” with “charisma” and “personality,” and added “he could be a superstar if he wanted to do that”

Sandler also shared a story from the set: Kelce arrived the day after playing a game, sporting a large bruise on his back. He shrugged it off, joking “that happens,” a moment that impressed Sandler with Kelce’s humility and professionalism under a hot stage light and global spotlight.

Christopher McDonald, reprising his role as Shooter McGavin, echoed Sandler’s admiration. He described Kelce as not only talented but undeniably appealing, quipping, “he’s too damn handsome”

Kelce has reciprocated the appreciation. Earlier in 2025 on The Pat McAfee Show, he called acting alongside the “Sandman” a “dream come true,” crediting Sandler and his team with creating a fun, supportive atmosphere. He even joked that working with Sandler felt like playing under coach Andy Reid in football terms a fitting metaphor for the mentorship he experienced.

Kelce shares the screen with Bad Bunny in a bigger arc: Bad Bunny’s Oscar is fired early, but later becomes Happy’s caddie and reimagines the storyline with a vivid honey-themed fantasy Kelce’s character is the unfortunate subject. The wild plot turned audience favorite and became one of the movie’s standout callbacks to the original film’s over-the-top humor.

Taylor Swift, Kelce’s partner, added her own enthusiasm to the conversation. She shared her official review of Happy Gilmore 2 to her Instagram followers, calling it “an absolute must-watch, 13/10.” Her inclusion of a honey pot emoji an obvious nod to Kelce’s honey-soaked scene only added to fan excitement.

Kelce missed the film’s New York premiere due to NFL training sessions, and Swift skipped alongside him. Even so, Sandler made sure Kelce felt honored publicly, ensuring his absence didn’t keep his contribution from being celebrated at the event. Sandler warmly acknowledged Kelce’s involvement, reaffirming the tight end’s positive impression behind the scenes.

The film itself builds on nearly 30 years of Happy Gilmore legacy, reuniting Sandler with original co-stars like Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald while sprinkling in celebrity cameos from Eminem to Steve Buscemi, golfers, and sports personalities. It combines nostalgia, absurd humor, and heartfelt moments grounded in family and redemption as Happy fights to save golf and support his daughter's ballet dreams.

Cameo coordination was particularly notable in Happy Gilmore 2. EW’s breakdown of the film’s Easter eggs highlights how Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny’s scenes were carefully woven into callbacks to the original movie, as well as into nods to Sandler’s broader comedy universe. Sandler praised all guest stars for bringing their “full‑tilt A‑game” to set.

All told, the flood of positive reactions from Sandler’s public praise and McDonald’s comments to Swift’s honey-filled salute have highlighted Kelce’s debut as more than a passing gag. Instead, it's emerging as a defining moment in a crossover from athlete to entertainer. As Sandler remarked: “He feels like your buddy... feels like he will protect you. He's got everything.” With endorsements like that, the world may see more of Travis Kelce on-screen in the future.