Pop icon Taylor Swift wasn't present to witness her boyfriend Travis Kelce's historic touchdown catch during the Kansas City Chiefs' victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With just over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Kelce caught the 77th touchdown of his Hall of Fame career, setting the Chiefs' record for the most touchdowns scored by any player, surpassing franchise legend Tony Gonzalez.
During this momentous occasion, play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle provided some light-hearted commentary by throwing out a cheeky reference to Taylor Swift. “I would say he was ready for it,” Eagle quipped, referencing Swift's song “Ready For It?” from her Reputation album.
Kelce’s touchdown was significant not just for personal milestones but also for the Chiefs' momentum on the field. The 12-yard reception contributed to the team’s lead, pushing the score to 29-10 against the Steelers. This touchdown marked yet another fabulous performance from Kelce, who caught seven passes on eight targeted attempts for 97 yards. He also made NFL history by becoming the first player to record at least 90 receptions for seven consecutive seasons.
Despite her absence from the game, Swift discreetly celebrated via social media, liking posts from the Chiefs, the NFL, and the “New Heights” podcast social media teams shortly after Kelce broke Gonzalez's record. Kelce reflected on the moment with humility and gratitude, acknowledging Gonzalez as more than just another player but as a mentor. “I feel like I’m still trying to fill [Gonzalez's] shoes. He’s such an unbelievable competitor, and I’ve got so much love for him. It’s an honor to be in conversations with him,” he said.
After the game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes provided his own praise for Kelce's monumental achievement. “I was extremely excited, I’ve been trying to get him a touchdown for the last few weeks, and I wanted to do it at Arrowhead,” Mahomes commented. He emphasized Kelce's impact on the organization, saying, “He’s done so much for this organization, on and off the field. For him to have the career he's had is special.”
This electrifying game marked the first time Netflix broadcast live NFL games on Christmas Day, which was met with positive feedback. The Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers game enjoyed smooth streaming for fans, and the commentary team, including Eagle, J.J. Watt, and Nate Burleson, was noted for its engaging delivery. Eagle even managed to draw some humor from the experience, joking about how Netflix might have catered to different audiences: “I don’t know if somebody is tuning in thinking the kids from Stranger Things got really old,” he remarked.
On the personal front, Taylor Swift had brought her family to Kansas City for Christmas last year, enjoying the holiday cheer and attending Kelce's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This year, even though she did not attend the game, Swift played the supportive role from afar, capturing attention and speculation about how their relationship intertwines with their respective careers.
This combination of personal milestones and high-level sports achievement not only highlights Kelce’s exceptional talent and work ethic but also the enjoyable crossover appeal of sports and pop culture. Kelce's record-breaking feat has solidified his place among the greats, and Swift's understated involvement has added another layer of intrigue to the story. With fans and commentators alike eager to see how this relationship develops alongside Kelce's sporting career, the upcoming season promises to be filled with more historic moments and sweet surprises.
Whether you are following the Chiefs' playoff search or watching Kelce’s budding romance with Swift, it's clear both are capturing headlines and hearts this holiday season. What more could fans ask for than epic touchdowns mixed with star-studded love stories? This perfect blend is what makes following the NFL and its personalities truly enjoyable.
