NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Taylor Swift, who has become a familiar face at Travis Kelce’s games, was notably absent from the Week 11 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills.
When the Bills handed the Chiefs their first loss, 30-21, ending their undefeated season, fans were quick to blame the pop star’s absence.
Swift had previously attended five games, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her presence at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, November 17.
The excitement grew even more after her appearance at the Chiefs’ game the previous week, where she watched from the VIP suite as Kelce scored his 76th career touchdown. Fans were left wondering if she would continue her streak of attending games this season.
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Chiefs face first loss of season as Travis Kelce has quietest performance
Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes scored first for the Chiefs, connecting with rookie Xavier Worthy early in the second quarter. By halftime, the Buffalo Bills were ahead 16-14, setting up an intense second half.
According to X (formerly Twitter) page FanDuel Sportsbook, the game marked Kelce’s 6th career game with fewer than 10 receiving yards and his second this season, with a stat line of “2 receptions, 8 yards, 4 targets.”
Kelce, known for his game-breaking ability and his near-telepathic connection with Mahomes, was largely a non-factor in this matchup. He finished the game with just two catches for eight yards, marking one of his quietest performances in recent memory, as per Marca.
Fans quickly speculated that the absence of his high-profile girlfriend, Swift, might have played a role in his lack of impact. The ‘Lover’ singer is currently busy with the Candian leg of her highly successful Eras Tour.
Swift’s presence has seemed to make a noticeable difference for the Chiefs. Kansas City won 10 of the 13 games the singer attended during the 2023 season and playoffs.
This season, the Chiefs were 9-0 in games where Swift was in attendance. Last week, she was front and center at Arrowhead Stadium, taking a break from her Eras Tour.
Taylor Swift rides on a golf cart prior to a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Swift kicked off her performances in Canada at Rogers Centre on Thursday, November 14, and had shows scheduled for November 15 and 16.
As she was next expected to perform on November 21, some felt she might make her way to Highmark Stadium to cheer on her beau. However, other commitments might have prevented her from doing so, leaving fans disappointed.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs takes part in pregame warmups prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Travis Kelce’s fans fume over his lackluster performance
After learning that Taylor Swift was absent from Travis Kelce’s recent game, several NFL fans quickly blamed the pop icon for the result.
One frustrated fan suggested, “Travis Kelce, it is time to go start whatever life with Taylor Swift. Leave my fantasy football team alone,” and another sarcastically asked, “Is Travis kelce even out there participating in today’s activities or is he at Taylor swift concert ?”
“But when the world needed him most, he vanished,” remarked a person, referencing Kelce’s lackluster performance. “Is it just me, or does Travis Kelce always play better when Taylor is there?” wondered a fan.
An individual wrote, “Travis Kelce, clearly depressed Taylor Swift wasn’t in the house was held to two catches for eight yards,” sharing a GIF of a concerned-looking Kelce.
Another expressed frustration, noting, “Imma just go ahead and say it. Travis Kelce lost his groove since being with Taylor Swift. I need the old bruh version of him back. 😫😭 — He has done me a solid on my fantasy only like TWICE since season started!”
“Travis Kelce is having a HORRIBLE SEASON! I BLAME TAYLOR SWIFT!” exclaimed a disgruntled fan.
