Who is Travis Kelce, the NFL superstar who just became Taylor Swift’s fiancé? From dominating the Kansas City Chiefs as one of the greatest tight ends in league history to crossing into pop culture fame, here’s everything you need to know about him.
Who is ‘The 1?’
Global pop icon Taylor Swift sent shockwaves across the internet when she announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
The couple, who have been together for two years, confirmed the news through a joint Instagram post showing Kelce proposing in a flower-filled garden. The caption read: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”
While Taylor Swift is a household name in music, many fans are asking: what do casual Swifties need to know about sports star Travis Kelce?
The NFL Star
The Greatest in the League
Travis Kelce, famously known as "Big Yeti", is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Kelce has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs. His resume includes three Super Bowl titles (LIV, LVII, LVIII), ten Pro Bowl nods, and seven All-Pro selections.
Redefining the tight end role, Kelce holds the NFL record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at his position (seven). His 2020 campaign was legendary, setting the single-season tight end receiving yards record with 1,416 in just 15 games.
Where’s the trophy? He just comes running over to me!
[ALSO READ: Bejeweled: Taylor Swift gets the "W" in first Super Bowl appearance]
Outside the Field
You’re So Famous, You’re So Loved
Kelce’s influence extends far beyond Arrowhead Stadium. He co-hosts the chart-topping podcast New Heights with his brother Jason Kelce, an NFL great in his own right. He’s appeared in commercials, headlined his own reality dating show (Catching Kelce), and even hosted Saturday Night Live in 2023.
Fun fact, the Taylor Swift episode in New Heights set a Guinness World Record for the most concurrent views for a podcast on YouTube (peak of 1.3 million simultaneous viewers).
It also become one of the highest-performing podcasts of the year on Spotify in just 24 hours.
Kelce is also a savvy businessman. He co-founded The Color Brand and has endorsement deals with several top companies. With an estimated net worth of $90 million, he recently became the highest-paid tight end in NFL history with a contract reportedly worth $94 million.
How He Won Over Taylor
What if I told you I’m a mastermind? And now you’re mine.
Their love story began in July 2023, when Kelce attended Swift’s Eras Tour stop in Kansas City. He admitted on New Heights that he tried — and failed — to give Swift a friendship bracelet with his number.
“I was a little b**t hurt I didn’t get to hand her one,” he confessed. That playful attempt became the Begin Again moment of a relationship that would soon capture the world’s attention.
The Proposal
I Wanna Be Your End Game
As Travis and Taylor got engaged, two worlds collided — sports fans and music lovers alike. With their influence combined, they are undoubtedly a power couple, and fans everywhere are wishing them nothing but the best.
[ALSO READ: From friendship bracelet to promise ring: Engagement timeline of Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce]