Travis Kelce calls Taylor Swift an 'athlete,' admiring the passion she brings to every performance
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion and 12-year NFL veteran, understands the physical demands of peak performance. Speaking to GQ for a new cover feature, the tight end opened up about his rigorous offseason training routine aimed at returning to the championship stage after a difficult loss to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year.
Travis Kelce says Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour prep is “mind-blowing,” likening her stamina to an athlete’s and praising her relentless dedication.
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Kelce also revealed that his girlfriend of two years, global pop icon Taylor Swift, matches his own dedication when preparing for her live performances. He noted that finding a partner who understands the scrutiny, pressure, and emotional highs and lows of being in the public eye has been uniquely grounding. Swift has been a constant presence at his games, while he has reciprocated by attending her expansive three-hour-plus Eras Tour shows around the world.
Reflecting on her work ethic, Kelce described watching Swift push herself to exhaustion after performances. “She may never call herself an athlete, but I’ve seen the demands she puts on her body, and it’s mind-blowing,” he said. Swift’s preparation famously included running on a treadmill while singing through her entire setlist — a training method Kelce called “super intense,” even for a professional athlete. He recalled the immense physical challenge of performing on a football-field-sized stage under sweltering conditions, with the show’s high energy maintained for hours on end, sometimes several nights in a row.
Though Kelce has built his own high-profile career outside of football — from hosting Saturday Night Live in 2023 to co-hosting the New Heights podcast with brother Jason Kelce — he embraces the role of being a “plus one” at Swift’s shows. “I’m a fan of music, of art, and it’s amazing to experience her supporting me on the field while I cheer for her on stage,” he said, adding that Swift has even become deeply engaged with the sport.
“I sort of made her a football fan,” Kelce admitted, noting that she now follows injury reports, understands strategic plays, and enjoys hearing the details of his job. He also praised her ability to captivate audiences, turning massive stadiums into intimate settings where every fan feels personally connected. “She’s beautiful, she’s cool, and she makes everyone feel at ease,” Kelce said.
As the NFL season approaches, Kelce is set to see Swift in the stands again — and possibly on stage. Swift recently surprised fans by announcing her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, due for more details soon, potentially during her upcoming appearance on the New Heights podcast.
