Chiefs coach says Taylor Swift’s work ethic may inspire Travis Kelce’s early-season performance

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said the dedication shown by pop singer Taylor Swift during her global Eras Tour may be setting a positive example for her husband, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Reid noted that Swift’s demanding schedule, which includes shows lasting more than three hours, “kicks [Kelce] in the butt a little bit there, too.”

Kelce’s production had declined over the past three seasons, with his yards per game falling to a career low of 50.1 in 2025, not counting his limited rookie season in 2013. At 30 years old, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound receiver appeared to be slowing down.

However, the first two weeks of the current season show a reversal, as Kelce has recorded 12 receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown. Reid highlighted that the Chiefs are navigating a transitional phase, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes returning from a torn ACL and the team seeking improvements beyond Mahomes’ contributions.

Reid’s comments suggest that Kelce’s renewed performance may be partly attributed to the motivational impact of his spouse’s work ethic, rather than signaling an imminent retirement.