Travis Kelce Gets Real About Taylor Swift Relationship Dynamic

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Travis Kelce is embracing the sweet life, unbothered by his “arm candy” status beside his pop superstar girlfriend, Taylor Swift.

The 34-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end laughed about his high-profile role during a chat on CBS Mornings. “It’s the life I chose, I guess. I have fun with it,” he said on Thursday, September 5, fresh from filming a star-studded Pepsi ad — a nod to a famous 2004 ad featuring Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Pink and Enrique Iglesias.

Of course, the NFL icon is no stranger to the limelight, having clinched three Super Bowl titles and even hosting Saturday Night Live in March 2023. Yet, he credits Swift, 34, with elevating his star status to global proportions, admitting she “put him on the map” on the New Heights podcast last year in November. For those not up to speed, “On the map” has been a running bit in the Swiftie community, poking fun at how Kelce’s fame has skyrocketed since dating the Grammy winner.

The Kelce family is fully on board with the excitement, too. “Mama [Donna] Kelce is having so much fun,” the famous athlete revealed, noting that his father, Ed Kelce, is warming up to the fame. Travis’ brother, retired Eagle center Jason Kelce, is already a pro at handling the pinnacle of public interest.

In addition to more partnership possibilities, the football phenomenon’s high-profile relationship has also brought him a new wave of fans from the music realm — fans who might not have tuned into an NFL game before the “Cruel Summer” singer. When asked why he thinks people are rooting for him, he shared a heartfelt response. “I would hope it’s because they see I’m just a genuinely good person and I love what I do and I love doing it with the people that I do it with,” he explained. “I’d rather give everybody happiness and something to cheer about than otherwise.”

CBS shared the interview on X (formerly Twitter), prompting fans to chime in with their two cents. “Good things happening for good people… It’s a win-win,” one person pointed out. “Way to go @tkelce, the commercial looks awesome and keeping it humble, as always. Wishing you the best!” said another. Even Paramount Pictures joined the conversation with a simple, “We are entertained! 🤩.”