Travis Kelce reportedly blames media attention on Taylor Swift romance for NFL struggles

Travis Kelce believes media attention on his relationship with Taylor Swift negatively impacted his NFL performance last season. Consequently, the couple decided to step back from the public eye. Kelce aims for a stronger 2025 season while exploring opportunities in entertainment.

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has reportedly expressed concerns that his high-profile relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift may have negatively impacted his performance on the field.

According to US Weekly, both Kelce and Swift have realized that the constant attention on their relationship has not been beneficial. As a result, they have decided to take a step back from the public eye to focus on themselves.

Did Kelce’s Relationship with Swift Affect His Game?

Reports suggest that Kelce believes his performance during the 2024 NFL season was affected by the immense media attention surrounding his romance with Swift. Statistically, the 2024 season was one of his least successful, with some of his weakest performances to date. His struggles were particularly noticeable during the Super Bowl, where the Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

According to the Daily Mail, Kelce’s underwhelming performance in the Super Bowl came shortly after he and Swift went on a date night in New Orleans with his teammate Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes. Some speculate that the additional media coverage surrounding the couple may have been a distraction leading up to the big game.

Following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss, Kelce has reportedly chosen to keep a lower profile. Sources cited by The Daily Mail claim that he felt overworked last season and wants to take a break from media appearances. He is reportedly determined to have a stronger season without his relationship taking center stage in the public eye.

Kelce’s desire to step back may also be influenced by concerns from his management team. According to a report from January 2024, his managers worried that his frequent media presence could lead to overexposure. The Eanes brothers, owners of A&A Management, signed Kelce as their second client, with hopes of turning him into a global star similar to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. However, they later grew concerned that his rapid rise to fame might be overwhelming for fans.

What’s Next for Kelce and Swift?

Despite his decision to stay out of the spotlight, Kelce has been exploring opportunities outside of football. He is set to host the Prime Video game show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? and has also started acting. Last year, he made his debut in an FX horror series, and he has even landed a cameo role in the upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel, which will be available on Netflix this summer.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift has also taken a break from her busy schedule after completing her Eras Tour at the end of 2024. Reports suggest she and Kelce are spending time together during the NFL offseason as he prepares for the upcoming season.

Kelce’s career choices moving forward will likely be shaped by his desire to maintain balance. While he remains a top athlete, his growing presence in entertainment has sparked discussions about how much media exposure is too much. With a renewed focus on football, Kelce is determined to prove himself in the 2025 season.