Travis Kelce’s ‘Mr Pfizer’ gig stirs debate about COVID vax messaging

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Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has been getting extra screen time as of late, but it is not because of his dominant performance on the field or his rumored relationship with international pop sensation Taylor Swift. 

The four-time First-Team All-Pro tight end recently partnered up with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer for a commercial promoting the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. 

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, #87, on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Sept. 24, 2023. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Kelce’s involvement prompted New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been among the most outspoken athletes to oppose the vaccine, to dub him "Mr. Pfizer." 

TRAVIS KELCE RESPONDS TO AARON RODGERS' COVID-19 VACCINE DIG: 'MR. PFIZER VS. THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON FAMILY'

The two-time Super Bowl champion did not appear to take issue with the nickname when he addressed the remark during a press conference last week, stating that in getting the vaccine, he was "keeping myself safe, keeping my family safe, the people in this building." 

However, beyond a war of words between two of the NFL’s biggest stars that the ad seemingly stirred, there is an intentional messaging behind it. 

Christopher Morse, Ph.D, professor and chair of the Department of Communication at Bryant University, spoke to Fox News Digital about the messaging surrounding the commercial and Pfizer’s decision to partner with one of the league’s biggest names.  

Travis Kelce, #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs, celebrates after defeating the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 24, 2023 in Kansas City,