Both Key and Peele's interests in performing and the arts developed early. But there were other ambitions as well, and certain avenues that had to remain unexplored. This describes anyone's life, of course, but not everyone has to leave certain stones unturned due to childhood illness. This was the case for Key, who was unable to explore athletics in any kind of serious manner due to childhood epilepsy. He was particularly interested in football (among other possible passions, including veterinary science) but his parents, understanding that his affliction would make that impossible, steered him towards acting.
At the time, this must have been crushing. Any child's first encounter with the unpleasant and immovable nature of life, let alone chronic illness, is frustrating. Happily, though, the condition no longer holds him back, and acting certainly worked out in the end. Turns out his parents were onto something.
