Travis Kelce reportedly believes his relationship with Taylor Swift contributed to his struggles on the field last season.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end had one of the most underwhelming seasons of his career in 2024, posting some of his worst-ever stats before going largely unnoticed in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Adding to the controversy, Kelce and Swift were spotted on a pre-Super Bowl date night in New Orleans with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes—just 48 hours before the big game. Their night out raised concerns about his focus, especially given his lackluster performance during the championship.
Kelce Steps Away from the Spotlight
Following the Super Bowl defeat, Kelce has been keeping a low profile, rarely appearing in public with Swift. According to US Weekly, both Travis and Taylor have realized that the intense media attention on their relationship may not be beneficial.
“Travis wants to take a breather from the public eye,” a source told US Weekly. “He was working too much last year, and he didn’t play as well as he wanted.”
The insider also noted that Kelce wants to shift the focus back to football, aiming for a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
Juggling Fame, Football, and Hollywood
While dating one of the biggest pop stars on the planet comes with its challenges, Kelce has also been busy expanding his brand beyond football.
In 2024, the 35-year-old made his acting debut in FX’s horror series Grotesquerie, hosted Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?, and landed a cameo in the upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel, set to release on Netflix this summer.
However, after considering retirement following his difficult season, Kelce is now prioritizing rest and recovery—spending more time with Swift, who also wrapped up her massive Eras Tour in late 2024.
Enjoying a Quiet Offseason
With both of their schedules now clear, Kelce and Swift are reportedly laying low, enjoying movies, workouts, and family time together.
“Just doing nothing at all has been a dream of theirs for a while,” a source revealed.
Another insider added, “The Eras Tour threw them into the spotlight. Now, they’re finally getting some R&R after working their butts off.”
Kelce’s Team Pushes for a “Less Is More” Strategy
In early 2024, concerns emerged that Kelce’s constant media appearances could lead to overexposure.
His management team, A&A Management, initially sought to make him as famous as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson but later feared his rapid rise might be too much, too fast.
“We didn’t want people to get numb to him,” Aaron Eanes, one of Kelce’s managers, told The New York Times.
Now, Kelce is focusing on a “quality over quantity” approach for endorsements, shifting towards a more curated public image.
Despite this recalibrated strategy, he still landed major advertising deals with Pfizer, Experian, Pepsi, Cheerios, and Lowe’s in 2024, proving his star power extends far beyond football.
What’s Next for Kelce?
With a few months left before training camp, Kelce has time to recharge and prepare for a stronger NFL season—while also maintaining a balance between his high-profile relationship and career.
The question remains: Will stepping back from the spotlight help him reclaim his dominance on the field?
