Taylor Swift’s ever-passionate fanbase has leapt to the defense of Travis Kelce after his costly drop sparked a loss to the Texans – and potentially the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes.
Kelce has been a legendary figure for the team for the past decade but has received criticism over the past two seasons for being past his best at the age of 36, and he has suffered a number of unfortunate on-field moments.
Another of those came in primetime on Sunday night when he dropped a catch – leading to an interception – with the Chiefs desperately trying to claw their way back into the game against the Texans.
The surprising drop led to many Chiefs fans calling for the end of Kelce’s career… but Swifties were very quick to jump in and defend the man that will soon be married to their beloved Swift.
‘All these Chiefs “fans” hating on Travis,’ one popular fan account wrote. ‘Just un-f***ing-believable. After all he’s done for KC and this is how you treat him. I hope he does retire.’
Another added: ‘He made a mistake tonight with the drop that led to an interception, but that shouldn’t take away all of what he has done for this team/city. he has put the team on his back when needed.’
Travis Kelce looked inconsolable as he left the field and returned to the Chiefs locker room
Taylor Swift and her friend Selena Gomez also looked somber in the stands during the game
A third, meanwhile, said: ‘Just the sheer amount of money Travis has brought into and put into the kc local economy should have everyone in the entire state worshipping at his feet.’
In 13 seasons with the Chiefs, Kelce is a three-time Super Bowl champion and it would be a huge shock to see the team miss out on the playoffs in what could be the tight end’s final season in the league.
With a 6-7 record, though, that outcome appears more likely than not, and it doesn’t get any easier with the Los Angeles Chargers up next – a team they have already lost to once this season.
On Sunday night, Kelce’s stunned fiancee Swift was seen watching on from his suite as she made another lowkey appearance. This time she brought friends Selena Gomez and Lena Dunham with her, while Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio was seen separately in Kelce’s suite.
Kelce failed to haul in a pass that Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair would intercept
A popular Swift fan account was among the first to jump to Kelce’s defense on social media
Others chimed in to ensure Kelce had some backing after criticism from his own fans
According to the NFL’s data, the Chiefs now have just a 15 per cent chance of getting into the playoffs. They need to win all of their remaining games and hope other teams lose multiple times to stand any chance.
Swift, whose entrances at Arrowhead Stadium were once the highlight of networks’ broadcasts but have now become top secret, appeared on NBC’s feed just moments before halftime.
Pictures then emerged of her talking to Gomez on social media. A video was also posted showing DiCaprio on the phone in Kelce’s suite while sat among his family and friends.
Kelce looked crestfallen as he sat on the bench after a drop that proved fatal to the Chiefs
Previously, there have been much happier moments between Kelce and Swift on the field
Sadly, however, they had very little to celebrate as the dominant Texans defense overpowered the Chiefs.
Kelce was largely anonymous throughout the game, making just one catch off of his five targets.
After his game-sealing drop, Kelce looked crestfallen as he sat on the Chiefs bench with his eyes shut.
Chiefs fans instantly started streaming out of the stadium as they admitted defeat and the realization they may not make the playoffs hit home.