In a delightful twist of fate, pop superstar Taylor Swift has transitioned from casual fan to football aficionado, especially as she supports her partner, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. With each game attended, Swift’s enthusiasm has only intensified, showcasing her vibrant spirit in the stands.
Known for her composed demeanor, she has surprised many by letting loose, cheering passionately and even expressing frustration when Kelce gets tackled. For Swift, the exhilarating highs and gut-wrenching lows of football have become an integral part of her life, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
During her interview for the 2023 TIME Person of the Year, Swift expressed a bittersweet sentiment, wishing she had discovered her love for football sooner. “I have such a blast at every game,” she said, capturing the joy and excitement that has enveloped her newfound hobby.
This fervor hasn’t gone unnoticed, particularly by Chiefs co-captain Patrick Mahomes. Speaking with TIME, Mahomes provided a fascinating glimpse into Swift’s approach to the sport. He noted that she engages deeply with the game, asking insightful questions that reflect her keen business acumen. “It’s almost like she’s trying to become a coach,” he remarked, clearly impressed by her eagerness to learn.
Mahomes also emphasized the positive impact of Swift’s presence at games, noting that her celebrity status has significantly boosted the Chiefs’ popularity. While some purists of the game may grumble about her attendance, Mahomes sees it differently, viewing Swift as a bridge to a new audience. “Knowing that I’m a father to a daughter as well, I love that she watches the games and loves football as well,” he shared ahead of Super Bowl 2024, highlighting how Swift’s influence has helped increase female viewership of the sport.
Beyond football, Mahomes holds Swift in high regard for her humility and relentless work ethic. He recounted how, despite her fame, Swift maintains a grounded approach and is constantly churning out new ideas. Their camaraderie blossomed as Mahomes shared his excitement about Kelce finding a partner like Swift, acknowledging the close-knit relationship they have built. “For us, there were a couple of jokes here and there at the beginning, but she’s just part of Chiefs Kingdom,” he declared, welcoming Swift into their football family.
However, not all reactions to Swift’s presence have been positive. Following a few losses for the Chiefs in the 2023 NFL season, some critics absurdly blamed her for the team’s performance. Chiefs legend Christian Okoye defended Swift, asserting, “She isn’t a player, so she doesn’t bear any responsibility for their lackluster display.” Echoing this sentiment, head coach Andy Reid firmly stated that Swift’s relationship with Kelce has been a non-issue, insisting, “There’s been no distraction at all.”
Brittany Mahomes, Patrick’s wife and a close friend of Swift, also rallied to her defense on social media, sharing a quote from Charles Barkley that criticized those blaming Swift for any team struggles. Amidst the mixed reactions from fans, Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill expressed his excitement about Swift’s presence, suggesting that she energizes the crowd and enhances the game-day experience.
As Taylor Swift continues to immerse herself in the world of football, her infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for the game resonate not just with players like Patrick Mahomes, but also with fans everywhere. With each touchdown and every cheer, Swift proves that football can bring together unlikely allies, transforming a mere pastime into a passionate affair that wins hearts both on and off the field. Touchdown, indeed!