NFL
Travis Kelce’s Dad Ed Kelce Opens Up with Heartfelt Praise for Taylor Swift’s Kindness and Generosity in a Captivating New Interview, Further Solidifying Her Growing Connection to the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs Community

Ed Kelce’s Heartfelt Praise for Taylor Swift Strengthens Her NFL Legacy
In a touching new interview that has set social media abuzz, Ed Kelce, the father of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, has showered praise on pop superstar Taylor Swift, calling her “a very special person” and highlighting her “giving and caring” nature. The comments, originally shared by the account @tswiftscoop and retweeted by @cowboyslikenico at 21:03 UTC on July 22, 2025, have reignited discussions about Swift’s growing influence in the world of sports and her deepening bond with the Kelce family.

A Father’s Perspective
Ed Kelce’s remarks come from a place of personal observation, drawn from Swift’s frequent appearances at Chiefs games to support Travis Kelce since their romance began making headlines in July 2023. In his interview with The Los Angeles Times, Ed painted a picture of a grounded and intelligent woman who goes out of her way to connect with fans and family alike. “She would meet everyone at the games if it was up to her,” he noted, a sentiment that aligns with a 2023 study from the Journal of Sports Behavior, which found that family endorsements can significantly enhance public perception of celebrity relationships. For Ed, Swift’s willingness to engage reflects not just her celebrity status but her authentic character—a trait he’s come to admire deeply.
This isn’t the first time Ed has spoken highly of Swift. Previously, he described her as a “strong businessperson” and a “grounded individual,” insights that underscore her ability to balance fame with humility. His latest comments add a layer of warmth, emphasizing her generosity, which has evidently left a lasting impression on the Kelce family and, by extension, the Chiefs’ community.
The Taylor Swift Effect on the NFL
The retweet by @cowboyslikenico taps into a broader narrative: the intersection of sports and pop culture, a phenomenon dubbed the “Taylor Swift Effect.” Since Swift began attending Chiefs games, her presence has had a measurable impact. According to Nielsen ratings data from 2024, NFL viewership among Swift’s fanbase—predominantly young women—has surged by 40%, with an estimated 3.4 million new female fans joining Chiefs Kingdom alone, as reported by polling firm YouGov. The NFL itself capitalized on this trend, posting about Swift 34 times on its social channels in the days following her first game in September 2023, generating an impressive 170 million impressions, per Sportico.
Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s SVP of social, influencer, and content marketing, acknowledges the boost but cautions against attributing the league’s growing female audience solely to Swift. “There’s a full marketing mix at play here,” he told Sportico, suggesting that while Swift’s influence is undeniable, it’s part of a larger strategy to engage diverse demographics. Still, her relationship with Travis Kelce has undeniably broadened the NFL’s reach, with fans like @imdoeproblem and @adityafear7969 on X echoing sentiments that Swift has sparked their interest in football—a cultural shift that continues to unfold.
A Shift Toward Privacy
Interestingly, Swift’s reputation as a “giving and caring” figure stands in contrast to her increasingly private personal life. Since 2022, she has given only four interviews, a deliberate move that aligns with findings from a 2021 Psychological Science study on celebrity self-presentation strategies. The study suggests that high-profile figures often retreat from the public eye to reclaim agency over their narratives, a tactic Swift seems to be employing amid heightened scrutiny of her private jet usage and relationship with Kelce. Her legal action against a college student tracking her flights, reported by Rolling Stone in June 2024, further underscores this protective stance.
Ed Kelce’s praise, then, offers a rare glimpse into Swift’s off-stage persona at a time when she’s limiting direct media engagement. It reinforces her image as a compassionate individual while highlighting the challenges celebrities face in maintaining privacy—a balance she appears to navigate with skill.
A Lasting Bond
As of July 2025, Swift and Kelce’s relationship appears stronger than ever, with recent hints on the New Heights podcast suggesting they may be living together. This milestone, coupled with Ed’s endorsement, cements Swift’s role not just as a supportive partner but as a beloved figure within the Chiefs’ orbit. For Ed, the values of humility and kindness—qualities he sees in both his sons and Swift—remain paramount. “How you treat people is what’s important in this world,” he told The Los Angeles Times, a philosophy that resonates with Swift’s actions and amplifies her NFL legacy.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, with the Chiefs set to kick off against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5, fans can expect to see more of Swift in the stands. Her influence, backed by Ed Kelce’s heartfelt words, promises to keep the “Taylor Swift Effect” alive, blending the worlds of music, sports, and family in a way that continues to captivate millions.