A trio of former Bearcats were named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team today including Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Eagles center Jason Kelce and Jets rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Gardner became the first rookie cornerback in 41 years to earn a spot on the All-Pro First Team after totaling a league-best 20 pass break ups to go with 75 tackles and two interceptions.
In addition to the Kelce brothers combining for a remarkable nine All-Pro First Team appearances in the last seven years, Travis was one of only two players to be unanimous selections this season.
The only program with more former players named to the prestigious team than Cincinnati was Alabama. Check out the entire Associated Press All-Pro First Team per Rob Maaddi.
Three former #Bearcats were voted to the #NFLProBowl including Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce and Sauce Gardner! https://t.co/bXQUKhn9hG
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) December 22, 2022
Cincinnati Football: Sauce Gardner headlines former Bearcats to be named All-Pro First Team
After becoming the highest draft pick in program history last year, Gardner broke onto the scene with a historic rookie campaign that showed off his ability to be a shut down cornerback.
During his Bearcats career, the Detroit native never allowed a touchdown reception in three years en route to earning AAC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-American honors.
Travis Kelce secured his fourth All-Pro First Team with 110 catches for 1,338 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, highlighted by a franchise-record four touchdown performance in October.
Despite not being as popular as his younger brother, Jason Kelce was named an All-Pro First Team member for the fifth time in six years after not allowing a sack or quarterback hit this season.
The former #Bearcats tight end broke several records in a historic performance on Monday night including the most touchdowns by a tight end in @Chiefs history. Kelce also became the first tight end to score four TD since 1985.https://t.co/JA7yJgf4E9
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) October 13, 2022
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Cincinnati Football: Travis Kelce breaks franchise record with career-high four touchdowns
Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce compiled a career-high four touchdowns, fueling the team to a thrilling comeback win over the rival Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
The former Bearcat and Ohio native broke several records with his historic performance this season including scoring the most touchdowns by a tight end in Chiefs franchise history.
Even though the Chiefs trailed by double digits, Kelce got the comeback on track with a touchdown in the first half and and eventually caught the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
During his senior season at Cincinnati, Kelce racked up 722 receiving yards and eight touchdowns en route to earning Big East First Team honors before being selected in the 2013 NFL Draft.