Justin Robertson / USA TODAY NETWORK

We’ve seen so many looks from Travis Kelce this season as he successfully jumps from football hero to pop culture phenom.

But we didn’t expect to see Kelce, the Chiefs tight end, show up at a press conference Friday wearing the head of the Iowa State mascot. That’s what he gets for riding with the Cincinnati Bearkats as they start their first season in the Big 12 Conference. Hmm, wonder what Taylor Swift would think of her new beau dressed in a Cy the Cardinal head? Take a look. Kelce definitely embraced the silliness of the moment.

But Kelce is confident Cincy will rebound, although they lost 30-10 at home to the Cyclones.

“Unfortunately, my Bearcats are struggling in the Big 12,” he said. “But that’s alright because we’ve got Baylor this week (he claps twice). We got Baylor this week and hopefully we can bounce back and get the train rolling.”

Both Travis and his big brother Jason Kelce played for Cincinnati. He’s the most dominant tight end in the NFL. But back in 2008, when he signed with the Bearkats, Kelce was a lightly recruited prospect from Cleveland. After redshirting, he saw the field as a combo tight end and wildcat quarterback.

This isn’t the first time this season Travis Kelce lost a bet because of the Bearcats. He also placed a friendly wager earlier this month with some BYU alums within the Chiefs organization. The Cougars knocked off Cincinnati 35-27. So Kelce had to wear a “beautiful blue BYU jersey” on the New Heights podcast he hosts with his brother.

The Chiefs play host to the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday. Kansas City got some time off last weekend, sort of a mini bye. That’s because KC played last Thursday night.

And with the free time, Travis Kelce flew to New York to spend time with Taylor Swift. We’re still not sure how serious the two are. However, they did step out in NYC, with photographers snapping shots of the two holding hands. It was no surprise that photos and videos of the couple started popping up all over social media.

Both Kelce and Swift did unexpected cameos on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live. Kelce, who hosted the comedy show back in March, portrayed himself as a skit mocked NFL coverage of who he’s dating.

Back in Cincinnati, the Bearkats, despite losing to the Cyclones, were getting into the Kelce-Swift spirit. The team mascot put on a Swift wig and a friendship bracelet while carrying a guitar. To complete the ensemble, the mascot wore a throwback Kelce Bearkats jersey. We’re thinking Travis Kelce would’ve preferred that look when he met with the media, Friday.

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