Taylor Swift was seen at Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce’s game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 24. While neither Swift nor Kelce have confirmed their relationship status, Swift’s appearance has caused the rumor mill to go into overdrive. WAG (wives and girlfriends) culture has played a significant role in sports for years, but Swift’s success and status has the potential to take it to a new level in the world of football.
Swift sat next to Kelce’s mother, Donna, in Kelce’s box. The Chiefs secured a 41-10 victory, with Kelce scoring a three-yard touchdown. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the game that there was “a little pressure” to get a touchdown pass to Kelce because of Swift’s attendance, according to ESPN.
Mahomes also commented on Swift.
“She’s tremendous. She’s a pop star,” Mahomes said. “She’s a tremendous singer […] tremendous at everything she does and I haven’t got to meet her.”
According to ESPN, Kelce recalled how, after seeing her perform in Kansas City on The Eras Tour, he invited Swift to one of his games at Arrowhead Stadium — the same venue where Swift performed.
“‘I’ve seen you rock the stage in Arrowhead,” Kelce said. “You might have to come see me rock the stage in Arrowhead and see which one’s a little more lit.”
Swift’s appearance has caused a resurgence of the term WAG, and has even possibly redefined it. According to The Face, the term, dating back to the mid-2000s, refers to the wives and girlfriends of famous athletes. At its start, WAG was derogatory, covering tabloids about soccer players’ girlfriends such as Victoria Beckham, Coleen Rooney, Cheryl Cole, Louise Owen and Elen Rives. Popular Culture Expert Nick Ede commented on the danger of the term.
“It was a great way to create rivalries and commentary on everything from their fashion and beauty to their kids and husbands. Nothing was left alone and a new breed of celebrity was created.”
In the conversation surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s possible romance, the term is contested. According to Ede, many wives and girlfriends of athletes today are students, entrepreneurs and models, trying to find success.
Taylor Swift is a redefinition of WAG culture, as her success stands out on its own besides her possible new romance. According to CNBC, Kelce’s jersey sales jumped almost 400 percent after Swift attended his game in Week Three.
Kelce shared more details about the romance on his podcast, New Heights, which he hosts with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. Jason wasn’t afraid to dish out some friendly chirps.
“How does it feel that Taylor Swift put you on the map?” Jason jokingly asked.
Travis gave a cool and level-headed response.
“Shoutout Taylor for pulling up,” Kelce said.”I just thought it was awesome how everybody in the suite had nothing but great things to say about her […]. It was definitely a game I’ll remember.”
Regarding their relationship, Kelce noted that he made Swift a bracelet with his number on it when he watched her perform The Eras Tour in July but was disappointed when he was unable to give it to her after the show. While neither Swift nor Kelce have confirmed their relationship status, rumors continue to spread.
Swift also more recently attended the Chiefs’ game on Oct. 1 against the New York Jets, but it’s unclear as to how consistent her attendance will be as the season progresses.
