Between the Eras tour and the re-release of Speak Now and 1989, it’s been a busy year for the Swifties.
Yet somewhere between getting master’s degrees in friendship bracelets and trying to cancel Ticketmaster, they still found time to go all-in on Taylor Swift’s budding relationship with Kansas City Chiefs Tight End, Travis Kelce.
In recent weeks, TikTok has run amok with crazy theories about both the veracity and longevity of the couple, wondering is this really real?
When this all began to take root in September 2023 (full timeline below), the romance was met with skepticism. ESPN’s Elle Duncan was one of many who fell into this camp, chalking it up to good PR. By October, Duncan and others reversed course and began to buy into Traylor, as they are affectionately known on the socials. Others remain unconvinced despite Swift attending four Kansas City Chiefs games (they’re undefeated with her there!). Both ends of the spectrum make for some amazing, unhinged conspiracy theories and we’re here for every single (harmless) one.
5 Unhinged Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Theories
Theory 1: The Long Con
Swift and Kelce have been dating for months. Evidence? Swift was spotted wearing what could be a Chiefs shirt back in July 2023. Gift from her concert at Arrowhead, another shirt entirely, or evidence of a coverup?
Theory 2 – The Diversion Tactic
Swift pursued a fake relationship with Kelce to distract the public from her friend Sophie Turner’s tumultuous divorce. That’s one heck of a good friend!
Theory 3 – The Easter Egg
Kelce is part of Swift’s crafty plan to announce the re-release of her first album, Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version), due to the lyric “I’ll be eighty-seven; you’ll be eighty-nine.” Swift is known for dropping hints in songs, social media posts, and even her outfits. But wouldn’t he be 87 and her 89?
Theory 4 – An Elaborate SEO Coverup
We reach the apex of unhinged with this one: Swift attended the Jets game to muddy search results and avoid scrutiny about her frequent use of private jets. It’s… a reach. This woman just performed 52 shows in 20 cities, and no one was under the impression she flew Southwest Airlines. Even if that explains the Jets game, there’s no cogent explanation for attending Bears, Chargers, and Broncos games.
Theory 5 – Erin Andrews Hooked a Girl Up
Erin Andrews facilitated the setup by making a public plea to Swift on the Calm Down podcast in August. “Please try our friend Travis,” she pleaded, before citing a list of his good qualities. If this helped even a little bit, Andrews is a fantastic wingwoman.
For what it’s worth, I do think the relationship between Swift and Kelce is authentic. What’s the upside for a publicity stunt of this magnitude? Neither one needs more attention, fame, or money. For Kelce’s part, if he orchestrated the onslaught of publicity, wouldn’t he have chosen the offseason for this stunt? But perhaps the best evidence for a legitimate relationship is the fact that Swift has developed an incredibly loyal fanbase and lying to the Swifties would be reputation-damaging. She’s known for easter eggs and tricks, but never outright deceit.
ICYMI: Recap of the Traylor Timeline
- July 8: Kelce attends Swift’s concert at the Chief’s home stadium, Arrowhead, but failed to meet her backstage.
- July 26: On an episode of Kelce’s New Heights podcast, he admits making a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it intending to give it to Swift at the concert.
- September 21: Kelce tells Pat McAfee he invited Swift to a game.
- September 24: Swift attends Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead, sitting in Kelce’s suite with his family. Chiefs 1-0 with Taylor present.
- October 1: Swift attends Kansas City Chiefs at New York Jets in New York. Chiefs 2-0 with Taylor present.
- October 12: Swift attends her second game at Arrowhead to see the Chiefs take on the Denver Broncos. Chiefs are 3-0 with Taylor present.
- October 22: Swift attends her third game at Arrowhead for Chiefs vs. LA Chargers. Develops secret handshake with Brittany Mahomes. Chiefs are 4-0 with Taylor present.