One of the most anticipated comedy sequels of the year, Happy Gilmore 2, is teeing up for its global release on Netflix this July 25. Nearly three decades after Adam Sandler brought the irreverent golf legend Happy Gilmore to life, the follow-up promises a nostalgic ride—with a twist that’s catching the attention of both film and football fans alike.

Enter Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, whose unexpected role in the film is already generating buzz.

Travis Kelce’s inclusion in the sequel came as a surprise when Sandler first confirmed it during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon back in August 2024. While the full extent of Kelce’s screen time remains under wraps, what’s already clear is that the NFL icon has made quite the impression behind the scenes.Christopher McDonald, who famously played the smug antagonist Shooter McGavin in the 1996 original and reprises his role in the upcoming sequel, recently shared some candid thoughts about working with Kelce. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, McDonald admitted, "I have a love-hate relationship with Travis Kelce. His team beats my Buffalo Bills way too often. And I blame the refs sometimes." Yet, the tone quickly shifted to admiration.

"Travis being the superstar that he is, at the end of the day, he's a tremendous guy. I really loved the guy as a person. And surprisingly a very good actor. He had too much fun."

That “surprisingly good actor” remark has resonated with fans who have seen Kelce shine on the field and on screen with his New Heights podcast alongside brother Jason Kelce. But stepping onto a movie set is a different game entirely. Still, according to McDonald, Kelce held his own, not just with his charm but with his comedic timing.During a PEOPLE interview on June 25 celebrating the film’s partnership with Subway, McDonald doubled down on his praise: “Travis Kelce has been out there and I just really liked him as a person. He is really funny. Way too handsome, by the way, but really a good actor actually. Surprisingly good.”While he didn’t spill much about the specifics of Kelce’s cameo, McDonald did hint at the tight end’s athletic edge possibly translating onto the green.

“I think he's got game,” he said of Kelce’s golf skills. “He's a good athlete. He's a beast. I'm sure he kills the ball.” Though they didn’t get a chance to hit the links together during filming, the respect was evident.For Kelce, sharing scenes with Sandler and the Happy Gilmore legacy marked a personal milestone. Back in January, he told The Pat McAfee Show, "I thought SNL was going to be the peak of my acting and showman or entertainment career.

Working with Happy Gilmore himself, the Sandman and Happy Productions, it was off the chain."As Happy Gilmore 2 readies its Netflix premiere, Kelce’s crossover into film could become one of the most talked-about moments of the summer—not just for fans of golf comedy, but for anyone who’s ever watched him dominate a football field. With the seal of approval from Shooter McGavin himself, it looks like Kelce may be swinging into a whole new level of stardom.Also Read: Travis Kelce’s new favorite Taylor Swift song is not what fans expected: Other NFL tight ends also turn Swifties