The NFL player’s romantic connection with the pop sensation has become a focal point of online fascination over the years. However, before their much-publicized romance, he was romantically linked to another public figure who has faced persistent criticism in the wake of their separation.
Football standout Travis Kelce’s current romance with Taylor Swift has sparked comparisons to his dark-haired ex-girlfriend. While some observers label his relationship with the Grammy-winning singer as a downgrade from his previous partner, others express that the couple is a great match.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift arrive at SNL afterparty on October 15, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The conversation around Kelce’s current relationship and comparisons to his past has been fueled by the highly publicized start of his romance with Swift.
Rumors of their relationship began swirling after the songwriter attended several of Kelce’s games. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” podcast, the football star shared how their connection started.
The Ohio native attended Swift’s “Eras Tour” performance at Arrowhead Stadium in July 2023 and later shared that he “threw the ball in her court” by inviting her to one of his games.
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This early glimpse into their connection set the stage for intense public interest, with the couple subtly confirming their relationship in separate interviews in late 2023.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce photographed after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
In one interview, Kelce described his girlfriend as “hilarious” and “a genius,” adding that their shared values deepen their bond. “Everybody knows I’m a family guy,” he remarked, emphasizing how closely Swift’s family is involved in her career and how it aligns with his outlook.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end also addressed the unique challenges of dating someone in her position, “Obviously I’ve never dated anyone with that kind of aura about them…. The scrutiny she gets… and she’s just living, enjoying life. When she acts like that I better not be the one acting all strange.”
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Neon Carnival on April 13, 2024, in Thermal, California. | Source: Getty Images
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Neon Carnival on April 13, 2024, in Thermal, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kelce’s reflections on the unique dynamics of dating someone like Swift seamlessly complement her perspective, which she shared in another interview.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce seen leaving Karen Elson wedding on September 7, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The music sensation revealed that their relationship began after Kelce “adorably put [her] on blast” on his podcast, calling it “metal as hell.” They started spending time together shortly after, enjoying a private period to connect away from the public eye.
“By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple,” Swift clarified, addressing misconceptions that their debut at his game was their first date. “We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date.”
The “Blank Space” hitmaker further highlighted the simplicity of their relationship, noting that being public means supporting each other openly without concern for outside opinions. She contrasted this with the effort required to hide a relationship, expressing pride in their connection and mutual encouragement.
One user wrote, “Press ❤️ if u r gonna watch a Super Bowl only because Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce😅 Go Chiefs🏆.” Another shared, “Taylor and Travis are good together. Bonus is that Donna approves.” Others chimed, “Love seeing them enjoy the moment together,” while one stated, “They’re so cute.”
One user commented, “Travis Kelce downgraded to Taylor Swift from Nichole [sic].” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one stating, “Travis Kelce surely downgraded from his last GF to this,” and another claiming, “Travis Kelce downgraded hard… he’s depressed, no question about it.”
Some opinions focused on appearance, with a user observing, “For some reason, most BW think Kayla Nicole better than Taylor Swift even though Swift been in the game since 2015 [sic],” while another added, “& yes kayla nicole do look better than taylor swift !!! & i said what i [expletive] said so you swifties can fight me if you wanna !!! [sic]”
Others took a more nuanced approach, such as one commenter who wrote, “kayla nicole looks so much better than taylor swift. i love my black queens [sic].”
