Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was already scoring big with sponsors. Then he went on a date in Arrowhead Stadium.
Now advertisers—and millions of Swifties—see him as quite the catch. Forbes senior sports money reporter Justin Birnbaum joins Brittany Lewis on ‘Forbes Talks’ to break it down.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift: A New Power Couple?
A Love Story in the Making
This unexpected pairing began when Kelce publicly shared his desire to meet Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour. He even made a friendship bracelet with his phone number, hoping to give it to her. Despite his initial attempts being unsuccessful, reports soon surfaced that the two were quietly hanging out.
This culminated in Taylor attending a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, where she was seen cheering alongside Travis’s mom and later leaving the stadium with him.
Public Reaction and Media Frenzy
Swift’s presence at the game sent shockwaves through both the sports and entertainment worlds.
The NFL’s social media accounts even embraced the moment, changing the NFL bio to “NFL Taylor’s version.” This level of crossover appeal is rare, highlighting the influence of both Kelce and Swift.
Travis Kelce’s Growing Fame
Before his relationship with Swift, Kelce was already a prominent figure.
Known for his incredible performance on the field, he has played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ recent successes, including two Super Bowl victories. Beyond football, Kelce has made a name for himself in marketing, appearing in commercials for major brands like Bud Light, Pfizer, State Farm, and DirecTV.
He also hosted “Saturday Night Live” and starred in the reality dating show “Catching Kelce.”
The Swift Effect
Taylor Swift, with an estimated net worth of $780 million, has been a global superstar for over a decade. Her presence has undoubtedly elevated Kelce’s visibility, potentially increasing his off-field earnings. The so-called “Swift bump” has turned more eyes towards Kelce, making him a household name even among those who weren’t previously football fans.
Future Prospects
As Kelce and the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, the team’s camaraderie and shared moments of humor, like Kelce’s iconic R2-D2 ringtone, remind fans of the personal connections that define this group. With Taylor Swift by his side, Kelce’s journey continues to captivate fans and media alike, blending the worlds of sports and music in an unprecedented way.
