The NFL’s history isn’t just about stats, records, passes, and trades. Romances also leave a mark, as seen in the story of singer Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. While many doubted the authenticity of their relationship, the team’s coach’s praise confirmed otherwise.
Dave Merritt, the Chiefs’ defensive backs coach, believes that Swift’s relationship with Kelce has had a positive impact on the player. In fact, he revealed that the Grammy winner secretly attended games before going public with their relationship in September 2024.
A positive relationship in every way
According to The Sports Rush, during an episode of The Sports Shop Podcast with Reese & K-Mac, Merritt said:
“She was coming into the stadiums without people really knowing until the camera put it in the spotlight.”
TAYLOR SWIFT Y TRAVIS KELCE LLEGAN A LA ‘TEU’ ❤️🤝🏈
La pareja más famosa de la NFL se mostró en la presentación de la academia de alas cerradas.🎥 @teuniversity#MundoNFL #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/Z1eLzD7521
— Mundo NFL (@MundoNFL) June 24, 2025
Merritt already considers her part of the Chiefs family, stating:
“So many people hated the fact that she was being shown on TV, but you know what? You’re part of our family now because you’re with Travis. So you’re our little sister… You’re part of our family.”
It seems Kelce’s girlfriend has brought a wave of positivity to both the player and the team.
“It actually affected the team positively. It wasn’t a negative thing. Everyone was excited, and Travis was happy. When my player, my brother, is happy next to me, that helps and energizes me—and that’s how Travis showed up, like a different man. So yes, she helped us.”
This love story has come a long way, and it’s clearly bearing fruit for everyone involved. It might just be one of those lasting romances between high-profile figures like Taylor and Travis.
