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Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift Relationship Draws Strong Message From Pat McAfee

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Owen Crisafulli | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 6:49 PM ET

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's relationship has come under a microscope after the Kansas City Chiefs loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Amid all the commentary, former NFL punter and popular sports analyst Pat McAfee decided to offer his two cents by issuing a strong message.

During the past two seasons, which is how long Kelce and Swift have been dating, Kelce's play has begun to decline, leading to retirement rumors swirling around him in the wake of their crushing loss to Philadelphia. However, on Thursday night, Kelce officially put those rumors to rest.

"From the desk of Travis Kelce: ITS TIME FOR YEAR 13. Full breakdown on next week's episode!!!" Kelce said through his "New Heights" podcast's X account.

Some fans openly wondered whether Kelce's relationship with Swift would impact his retirement decision, or if he returned to the field, whether she'd impact his play on the field. McAfee weighed in on that thought process, saying that he thinks Kelce's relationship with Swift would actually inspire him to play better.

"A lot of people think he could potentially get distracted by Taylor, I think he gets motivated by Taylor. I think those two being together makes them both want to continue to grow and get even better," McAfee said on his "Pat McAfee Show."

Pat McAfee on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift:

"A lot of people think he could potentially get distracted by Taylor, I think he gets motivated by Taylor. I think those two being together makes them both want to continue to grow and get even better"@PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/cV9BbFceEl
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) February 27, 2025

Kelce recorded 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, helping lead the Chiefs to the Super Bowl for the third straight year. However, they came up short, with Kelce's quiet outing (four receptions, 39 yards) contributing to the 40-22 blowout they were subjected to by the Eagles.

Now that he has officially put off retirement, the Chiefs can focus on reinforcing their roster through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft as they look to find their way to their fourth straight Super Bowl.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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