Travis Kelce fears backlash will 'rain down' on him and Taylor Swift if Chiefs lose any future NFL game

Travis Kelce fears backlash will 'rain down' on him and Taylor Swift if Chiefs lose any future NFL game
Travis Kelce predicted that fans might turn against him and Taylor Swift if the Kansas City Chiefs are unable to maintain their winning streak (TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has voiced worries that fans may become disenchanted with him and his high-profile relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift if his team fails to maintain its winning streak.

The Chiefs tight end, 35, and Swift, 34, have drawn significant attention from the NFL community over the past year, particularly with the superstar singer's highly publicized appearances at his games, including last season's Super Bowl.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift arrive at SNL Afterparty on October 15, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have garnered significant NFL attention over the past year (Gotham/GC Images)

Travis Kelce responds to criticism about Taylor Swift's NFL appearances

However, not everyone has embraced Taylor Swift's presence at stadiums. A segment of fans, whom Travis Kelce humorously labels as the "dads, Brads, and Chads," has criticized both her appearances and the NFL's spotlight on her.

Kelce expressed his concerns about the possible repercussions if the undefeated Chiefs were to lose this season during a recent episode of his 'New Heights' podcast.

"We've just got to keep winning," Kelce emphasized. "If we lose, it's going to absolutely f**king rain down, baby. Just got to keep winning and staying on top," he added, speaking to his brother and co-host, Jason Kelce, and guest Pat McAfee.



 

Despite Kelce’s concerns, McAfee, a former NFL punter and now media personality, believes that the relationship is a boon for the sport.

"You and Taylor's relationship is great for the sport," McAfee said.

"It's getting introduced to so many new people. You are and have been the perfect representation for our sport too. I think there's no other person who could do what you're doing right now and how you're doing it. It is awesome and all of us are incredibly proud of you," he added.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are seen on October 11, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's relationship has faced intense scrutiny this season, particularly due to Kelce's slow start on the field (XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

Kelce and Swift's relationship has faced intense scrutiny this season, particularly due to Kelce's slow start on the field.

In the Chiefs' first three games, the tight end recorded only eight catches, sparking speculation that his off-season activities, including his whirlwind romance with Swift, were affecting his on-field performance.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are seen on October 11, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had a busy summer filled with romantic nights in New York City and double dates with Swift's best friend Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds (XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

The power couple had a jam-packed summer, enjoying romantic nights out in New York City and going on double dates with Swift’s best friend Blake Lively, and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

They also attended sporting events such as the US Open men’s final, where they shared a public display of affection, as well as a New York Yankees playoff game.

Taylor Swift skips Chiefs game amid criticism

After a slow start to the season, reports emerged that Taylor Swift chose to skip the Chiefs' game against the Chargers in Los Angeles to shift attention away from Travis Kelce.

This season isn't the first time the couple has faced such criticism.

During last year’s Christmas game, when the Las Vegas Raiders handed the Chiefs a surprising loss, delaying their playoff berth, some analysts pointed fingers at Swift.

Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 07, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Taylor Swift last attended the Kansas City Chiefs game against the New Orleans Saints on October 7, where she was reportedly spotted in a flirty plaid Vivienne Westwood skirt set (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Taylor Swift last attended the Kansas City Chiefs game against the New Orleans Saints on October 7, where she was reportedly spotted in a flirty plaid Vivienne Westwood skirt set.

Fox Sports analyst Skip Bayless tweeted after the loss, "Feels like it's about time to call Taylor Swift a distraction. What do you think, Patrick? Andy? How about you, Travis?"

Another commentator, Clay Travis, even went so far as to label Swift the Chiefs’ "Yoko Ono," blaming her for Kelce’s supposed on-field decline.



 

"He’s been worthless the last seven or eight weeks," Travis tweeted. "Either that or Taylor Swift is the Chiefs Yoko Ono. Maybe both."



 

Despite the criticism, Kelce and his teammates brushed off the accusations, and the Chiefs ultimately hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in Las Vegas in February.

Kelce's recent performances indicate he is getting back on track. In the last two games, he recorded 16 catches for 159 yards, aiding the Chiefs in staying undefeated as they head into their bye week.

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