Travis Kelce playfully references Taylor Swift's '22' while celebrating Chiefs' win over Houston Texans

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Travis Kelce reminded fans why he’s one of the NFL’s most electrifying players on Saturday, January 18, by delivering a stellar performance in the Kansas City Chiefs' 23-14 win over the Houston Texans.

The tight end recorded seven receptions for 117 yards, including a touchdown, in a display that confirmed he’s back to his best just when it matters most, the Daily Mail reported.

Travis Kelce Channels Taylor Swift with ‘22’ reference  

After his spectacular win, Travis Kelce, 35, shared how much the Kansas City Chiefs' bye week helped him recharge ahead of this crucial stage in the season.

However, his playful nod to his girlfriend Taylor Swift stole the spotlight. When asked if he felt 25 again, Kelce cheekily responded, “22, baby, 22,” referencing Swift’s chart-topping hit.

Kelce's time off proved invaluable as he looked rejuvenated on the field.

“Anytime you can get healthy and work on the body late in the season, I am going to take it all the time,” he explained as reporters flocked around him. 

“You saw me do it last year. I am always appreciative of the hard work we put in. 100 percent, I felt better. There is nothing better than playoff football, especially up here at Arrowhead,” Kelce added, emphasizing how special it is to play at home in front of the Chiefs’ electric crowd.

Kelce also highlighted the camaraderie within the team. “The feeling that you get playing in the games with the guys you work with all year—it’s the most gratifying feeling. Once I get the ball in my hands, I feel like I am a different player. But we’re focused on the next task ahead.”

Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark bring star power to Arrowhead

Taylor Swift was once again a prominent presence in the stands at the Arrowhead Stadium.

This time, she was joined by basketball sensation Caitlin Clark in Kelce’s VIP suite.

The duo didn’t shy away from showing their emotions during the tense game.

Swift was seen erupting with joy when Kelce scored his touchdown, leaping to hug Clark, who appeared just as thrilled to share the moment with one of her idols.

For fans, Swift and Clark added an extra layer of excitement to the game, blending sports and pop culture in a way only the Kansas City Chiefs can seem to pull off this season.

Patrick Mahomes hails Travis Kelce’s big moment

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also had high praise for his teammate Travis Kelce after the game as he told ESPN’s Lisa Salters, “You know eight-seven was gonna show up whenever [there’s] a big-time moment, and he did that.”

According to Daily Mail, Mahomes continued, “Everybody was asking, ‘Where’s Travis Kelce at?’ And I think he showed the world where he’s at.”

Despite the Chiefs' slow start, their first touchdown coming with just 4:36 left in the second quarter, Mahomes dismissed the idea that rust played any role.

"I don't think it was rust. That's a good defense, and we scored 23 points against them. That's a really good team," he said.

"So I'm not going to use that excuse as rust. We came out there, we battled, we found ways to get points, but we're going to be even better going into this next week," he added.

The Chiefs will now prepare to face the winner of the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens next Sunday night, with a Super Bowl appearance on the line.

Kelce’s return to form, coupled with the continued chemistry between him and Mahomes, is bound to keep Chiefs fans optimistic about the road ahead.