As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for their 2024-25 NFL season opener, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes has addressed the speculation surrounding his teammate Travis Kelce and the impact of Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift. In a candid discussion featured in the upcoming NFL documentary “America’s Game,” Mahomes, 28, dismissed the notion that Swift has been a distraction to the team.
“People act like it was a distraction… I was like, no, this is just Travis being Travis,” Mahomes said in the documentary, which is set to air on September 8th at 8 pm (ET) on NFL Network. The film, narrated by actor and longtime Chiefs fan Paul Rudd, was produced by NFL Films and delves into the Chiefs’ journey to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
Mahomes further elaborated on how the team embraces any external attention, emphasizing that Kelce’s relationship with Swift has not hindered their focus or performance. “When you have a guy like Trav’ dating one of the most famous people in the world, it’s just because he’s such a good dude,” Mahomes explained. “It’s true, it’s real. He’s out there living his life, but when he’s in the building, he’s working his tail off to be the best of the best.”
Mahomes praised Kelce’s work ethic, noting that the tight end’s dedication sets the tone for the entire team. “When your Hall of Fame tight end is your hardest worker, it leads everybody else. It’s not even like it’s a distraction. Why not embrace it? Embrace being that show that comes to town, that gets to play against the best of the best, and gets the best from every single team. It’s been a heck of a ride, and I’m enjoying every single bit of it.”
The public has closely followed Swift and Kelce’s romance since the singer attended her first Chiefs game on September 24, 2023, against the Chicago Bears. Swift’s support continued throughout the season, with her attending 12 more games, including Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The Chiefs have enjoyed considerable success with Swift in the stands, winning 10 of the 13 games she attended, leading some to consider her a good luck charm for the team.
Swift’s influence has extended beyond the football field, with Chiefs owner Clark Hunt revealing that her involvement helped grow the franchise’s fanbase by 30 percent over the past year. The increased attention has been a boon for the team, bringing in new fans who might not have followed the NFL before.
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe also weighed in on the impact of Swift’s presence, defending the singer against critics who have questioned her influence on the sport. “She brought a lot of friends and family to those football games that maybe wouldn’t have come before,” Rowe told US Weekly. “As a football person, I’m like, ‘The more, the merrier.’ Keep bringing them because we want to get as many women loving and involved in football as possible.”
The Chiefs are set to open their 2024-25 season with a highly anticipated game against the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of the AFC Championship game from earlier this year.
With the spotlight once again on Mahomes, Kelce, and perhaps even Swift, the Chiefs are ready to embrace the attention as they aim for another successful season.
