Sources close to Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce recently addressed the swirling rumors about his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift affecting his performance on the field.
Fans of the team have persistently suggested that Kelce’s jet-setting lifestyle and/or his Uncle Rico haircut were dragging his game down last season. He had just 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns, the lowest totals of his career.
And let’s not even discuss the average yards per catch.
Fans and analysts alike have been quick to point out that his budding romance with Swift might be the reason behind his less-than-stellar numbers.
In a recent story published by US Weekly, sources close to Kelce and Swift made some eyebrow-raising comments about the NFL power couple’s relationship and how it affected his play.
Travis Kelce Not Happy With How His Relationship Affected His Play
In the US Weekly story, sources close to Travis Kelce indicate the couple are retreating from the spotlight a bit during the offseason.
“Taylor and Travis have learned that so much attention on their relationship is not the best thing,” one person stated.
Ya think? It’s not great for football fans, either. Which is probably why Swift was mercilessly booed at the Super Bowl.
Here’s where things get a little juicy. The source makes comments that flat-out suggest the relationship with Swift affected Kelce’s play.
“Travis wants to take [a breather] from the public eye,” that individual said. “He was working too much last year, and he didn’t play as well as he wanted.”
“He wants to have a good season and not have the focus be on his relationship with Taylor.”
Where in the world are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce? Us Weekly is taking an exclusive look at how the world's most famous couple are taking a break from the spotlight following the end of her 21-month Eras Tour and his disappointing Super Bowl. Swift and Kelce are "doing great,… pic.twitter.com/3y5xy4FIA7
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) April 2, 2025
Needs To Regain His Focus
As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Kelce to see if he can regain his dominant form and silence the critics who attribute his struggles to his high-profile romance.
With the Chiefs aiming for another Super Bowl run, the pressure is on for Kelce to deliver, regardless of who’s in the stands cheering him on.
But it’s also about all the Hollywood appearances and concerts. Kelce needs to get his focus back on the gridiron. It’d be good for his brand as well. Oversauration of the market with the Kelce brothers has made them loathsome.
Despite the comments, the sources make it clear that Kelce and Swift are doing well and are just taking a break from the spotlight.
“They’re enjoying some R&R after working their butts off, making the most of their time off. They’re fully living their best lives.”
Will that rest from the glare of adoring fans – including the NFL front office – translate to success on the field again for Travis?
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