Rumors that Taylor Swift is dating NFL player Travis Kelce have been circulating on the internet for weeks. Speculation about Kelce reached new heights on September 24 when she attended a Kansas City Chiefs game for Kelce. Sitting in a suite with Kelce's mom, Donna, Swift cheered every time he scored a touchdown against the Chicago Bears. For some fans, the most surprising thing about this development is that the singer is an NFL fan - but real Swifties already knew that.
The Grammy winner doesn't use football as a running theme in her musical repertoire, but there are some lyrical references that also appear in the music video imagery. One line even revealed which NFL team she actually supports (sorry, Chiefs).
Ahead of the game on September 24, word spread among the players about their A-list guest. "Yeah, I heard she's at home," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told Fox Sports, adding that he wanted to make his teammates look good. "I was feeling a little pressure, so I knew I had to give it to Trav."
Now that she's been publicly linked to Kelce, some particularly sports-averse Swifties are learning how football works, but many eagle-eyed fans have been preparing for this moment for years.
Here are five things that prove Swift is a legitimate fan. Are future Super Bowl halftime shows inevitable? (we hope!)
Swift plays national anthem at football games
While Swift is now selling out football stadiums faster than most real football teams, the first time she performed in such a huge venue was at an NFL game in 2006. She sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Thanksgiving matchup between the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins, playing a stripped-down country version on her trusty acoustic guitar.
"You Belong To Me" Music Video
The heartthrob (Lucas Till) in Swift's "You Belong With Me" video is a star football player who dates a brunette cheerleader, only to later realize that Swift plays The blond marching band member is actually his soulmate.
Football helmet from "Stay Stay Stay"
Swift referenced the football helmet in her 2012 Red deep cut "Stay Stay Stay," saying it saved her relationship the morning after a major argument. "I read that you should never leave a fight unresolved," she sings. "That's when you come in with your football helmet on and say, 'OK, let's talk.'"
Eagles T-shirt from "Gold Rush"
In her 2020 Evermore song "Gold Rush," Swift dreamily sings about "an Eagles T-shirt hanging by the door," which she lists as one of her lover's many great qualities. Fans have debated for years whether she was referring to the band or the NFL team, but during the May 12 Eras tour, Swift confirmed it was a tribute to the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I love the Eagles," she clarified before performing the song for her hometown crowd. "But guys, come on. I'm from Philly. Of course it's the team." Naturally, the crowd applauded her admission.
Swift attends Kells game
It was clear that Swift went to the Chiefs game to support Kelce. (After his team's win, they left the stadium together and closed down a restaurant for the after-party.) Swift and Kelce's public appearance comes after they reportedly had a series of private parties. But she is said to have accepted his invitation purely for fun.
"Taylor is very focused on work and hanging out with his girlfriend right now," a source told Page Six . Outing. "She just thought it was a great way to spend a Sunday."
