With the Kansas City Chiefs’ first playoff game approaching this weekend, tight end Travis Kelce exudes calm and confidence—qualities he attributes, in part, to his personal life. Speaking on the Stephen A. Smith Show on January 15, Kelce opened up about his life off the field when asked about his seemingly enviable lifestyle.
“I’m enjoying every aspect of life, that’s for sure,” the 35-year-old athlete shared with a laugh. Addressing the host’s subtle probe into his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, Kelce added, “Taylor and I are happy, and having that confidence and support off the field means the world to me. It’s everything I could ask for.”
Stephen A. Smith, a seasoned sports commentator, admitted he’d never been a fan of Swift’s music before. However, after attending one of her record-breaking Eras Tour shows, he was blown away, calling it “the greatest concert” he had ever attended. Kelce echoed his sentiments, praising the show’s energy and production.
Smith humorously recounted taking his daughters and their friends to Swift’s concert, joking about the steep resale ticket prices, which Kelce clarified weren’t the original value. Despite the cost, Smith confessed it was worth every penny, so much so that he attended a second show.
Turning serious, Smith probed whether the public attention surrounding Kelce’s year-and-a-half-long romance with Swift had influenced his on-field performance. Drawing an analogy to a prizefighter adjusting to sudden fame and success, he asked if the relationship had enhanced Kelce’s football skills.
“I think the beauty of being in a strong relationship is the support it provides,” Kelce explained. “It allows you to focus on your craft and be the best version of yourself. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to support Taylor, whether at her concerts or in her endeavors, ensuring she feels the same kind of comfort and encouragement.”
Despite some early-season criticism suggesting he wasn’t in peak form—fueled by speculation that travel to Swift’s shows might have disrupted his training—Kelce brushed off the remarks.
“You have to stay true to yourself,” he said. “When people critique you, it’s important to reflect and ask why. Even then, I was playing at a high level, and we were winning games. This team knows the effort I put in and how focused I am on football all year long.”
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Houston Texans on Saturday, Kelce emphasized the team’s determination to achieve an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat.
“Securing the No. 1 seed and making Arrowhead Stadium the path everyone has to take was a huge advantage for us,” Kelce said. “This year feels different. We’ve had to fight hard for every win, and that’s made us stronger. Right now, we’re playing our best football, and I feel confident heading into this playoff game.”
The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Houston Texans this Saturday at 4:30 PM, with fans eagerly anticipating whether Kelce and his team can continue their dominant run toward another Super Bowl victory.
