7 Rounds with Super Bowl Champion Travis Beckum

Milwaukee native Travis Beckum has had a career that most football players dream of. Beckum is a Super Bowl Champion with the New York Giants. Throughout his illustrious collegiate career, he was an All-American, a two-time Capital One Bowl Champion, and was inducted as a member of the UW Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022 for his time with the University of Wisconsin Badgers. In celebration of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay later this year, Beckum will join WSCR 670 The Score’s NFL insider Hub Arkush at South Second during Milwaukee Tailgate Week for an exclusive Tailgate Talk Live Luncheon on April 25. 

As the clock counts down to draft day in Wisconsin, we caught up with Travis Beckum to talk about Milwaukee Tailgate Week, his career and his skills as the undisputed best tailgate DJ in the game. Join us as we go seven rounds with Travis Beckum.

Q: Travis, you were an All-American Tight End for the Wisconsin Badgers. What do you remember about your NFL Draft experience? When did it set in that you were going to be a part of the National Football League?

A: The NFL Draft, for me, was a dream come true. It was a time that I could share with my family and say that, finally, all of my hard work and dedication came to light. It set in once I saw that phone ring. I picked up the phone, and it was Coach Pope from the New York Giants, and he asked me if I [was] ready to be a Giant. 

Q: With that, the University of Wisconsin churns out NFL-caliber talent just about every year now. Meanwhile, the state of Wisconsin also has some homegrown talent in this year’s draft. If you could give one piece of advice to these prospects as they begin their journey, what would it be and why?

A: There is a ton of talent in the state of Wisconsin. I love telling my story, and one of the focal points is to connect with kids from Wisconsin and tell them they have the same opportunity as I did. 

One piece of advice is to build your brand on and off the field. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Be a good human; people will never forget the way you made them feel, especially people from your hometown.

Q: Looking back on your college playing days, do you remember a special moment from your time as a Badger? Now, 16 years since your playing days, what do you look back on most fondly?

A: Looking back at my days as a Badger, they all sort of blend together, but being able to look into the stands and see people wearing that #9 jersey. I loved the amount of support from just being able to play the game. Looking back, I have so much respect for the fans. We have had up and down years, but now being able to talk with season ticket holders who have been with us since day one means the world to me.

Q: Beyond your collegiate success, you are a former third-round draft pick and a Super Bowl Champion with the New York Giants. As you think about that journey, what are you most proud of?

A: As I think about my journey as a New York Giant, the thing that I am most proud of is that I am a World Champion, and no one can ever take that away from me. Playing in the NFL was my dream, but winning a Super Bowl meant that much more!

Q: Travis, you grew up not far from downtown, just down the road in Oak Creek. Do you get a chance to spend a lot of time in Milwaukee these days? If so, what’s your ideal Milwaukee itinerary? What is your perfect day?

A: I went to high school in Oak Creek but am from Milwaukee, Bay View, to be exact. I don’t get back as much as I used to because of all of my work with the Badgers, but Milwaukee is home for me. The ideal Milwaukee itinerary would probably be Carnevor to grab a nice steak and glass of wine, then stop by to support my friend’s establishments, 90s2K Cafe, RWB and Gilly’s, to finish the night.

Q: How about some fun ones? Milwaukee and Wisconsin are known throughout the league and across the country for their unique tailgating culture. What is Travis Beckum bringing to the tailgate, and why?

A: Wisconsin’s tailgating culture is awesome. From Brewer games all the way over to Madison for Badger games. Travis Beckum could be the DJ, playing everything from country to hip-hop. I know how to throw a good tailgate. If I am not being the turntables, I am one of the best in the country at bags!

Q: Start one, bench one, cut one: Brats, cheese curds and fish fries? Is there another local delicacy that would be your No. 1 pick? What about your sleeper pick? Why?

A: Start would definitely have to be fish fries. Cheese curds will be on the bench and I’m cutting brats, but I am more than willing to pick up brats in free agency. 

My #1 pick for local delicacy would have to be Culver’s. That is home base for me. It’s 50/50 on a spicy chicken sandwich or a double butter burger. A sleeper pick would probably have to be Conejitos to grab those tacos on the paper plate. Conejitos has been around for forever, and I started going there when I was probably 8.

You can catch Travis Beckum with WSCR 670 The Score’s NFL insider Hub Arkush at South Second during Milwaukee Tailgate Week for the Tailgate Talk Live Luncheon on April 25. As for if he had any surprises up his sleeve, Travis simply said, “As far as any surprises, I don’t kiss and tell, so be there or be square.” Get your tickets today.