‘Doesn’t Even Look Like Him’: Taylor Swift’s Boyfriend Travis Kelce Is Unrecognizable with ‘High Schooler’ Look at Chiefs Game
All eyes were on superstar footballer Travis Kelce as he made a stylish arrival at Arrowhead Stadium for Monday Night Football. His suave demeanor in the hotly debated outfit he was wearing juxtaposed his previous forlorn disposition during his team’s faceoff with the Atlanta Falcons on September 22. This was also the game where his popstar girlfriend was notably absent.
Travis Kelce arriving at Arrowhead Stadium, posted on October 8, 2024 | Source: Facebook/KMBC 9
With chic dark shades covering his eyes, and white and black sneakers in one hand and a beverage in the other, Kelce swaggered into the stadium. He donned a charcoal T-shirt, three-quarter white pants, and black sneakers, and accessorized his ensemble with a striking silver watch.
Travis Kelce | Source: Facebook/ESPN
Video footage shows the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who is rocking a mustache and a taper fade hairstyle, making his way through the venue as photographers snapped pictures of him. Upon seeing the media of the sports star’s appearance, many spectators took to online platforms to share their opinions.
A group of people were unimpressed with Kelce’s choice of attire and hair. “Hair and outfit like a 90’s [sic] suburban high schooler 😂,” opined an observer.
Echoing a similar sentiment, a user remarked, “Dude dresses like an eighth grader who just wished he was an adult on the Zoltar machine.”
Travis Kelce | Source: Facebook/KMBC 9
Referencing Kelce’s demeanor and hairstyle, someone else expressed, “That haircut and swagger don’t mix.” “Hate the haircut,” penned a netizen.
Travis Kelce | Source: Facebook/KMBC 9
Meanwhile, another commenter was simply taken aback by how unrecognizable he appeared. They marveled, “He doesn’t even look like the same guy!!! WOW!!!”
However, amid the critiques and surprise came a few praises. “Oooooh he looks GOOD!” exclaimed a fan while another reiterated, “Look is growing on me he looks Good!” Jumping on the complimentary bandwagon, another admirer gushed, “He looks soooooo [sic] much more handsome with a beard.”
On the other hand, some people are under the impression that Kelce’s look has been influenced by Taylor Swift. “He really changed the way he looked based on who he is dating 😂,” noted a Facebooker while someone else observed, “Without the girl .. [sic] and it doesn’t even look like him.”
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted out in New York on September 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While Kelce’s style influencer may not have arrived with her beau, she did make sure she was there when it was time for the game, laying rumors that she and Kelce broke up to rest. Swift arrived at Arrowhead Stadium in an eye-catching plaid, off-the-shoulder dress designed by fashion powerhouse Vivien Westwood.
Taylor Swift arriving for the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Adding extra flair to her ensemble, she wore black platform boots, carried a stylish heart-shaped purse, and accessorized with gold jewelry. Prior to attending the game, Kelce had confirmed Swift would be there in an online video posted to TikTok by PageSix.
Taylor Swift | Source: Getty Images
In the post, Kelce, who was making his way through a crowd of fans and reporters, was initially asked what he wanted for his birthday as the Chiefs tight end had just celebrated turning 35 on Saturday, October 5. “You already know. I’ll take another Super Bowl,” revealed Kelce.
Travis Kelce engaging with the public and answering questions, posted on October 7, 2024 | Source: TikTok/pagesix
At a different moment in the video, a reporter asked Kelce whether Swift was there with him. In response, the footballer disclosed, “She will not be here right now, but I know she’s coming for the game.”
Lo and behold, as Travis Kelce said Swift arrived to cheer him on for the match. Her attendance at this event comes after she missed a previous game of his.
Taylor Swift cheering on from a suite during the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints game in Kansas City, Missouri on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Reportedly, Taylor Swift had missed the event because of her commitments to her Eras tour. The game she missed was the match between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons which took place at the end of last month (September), where Kelce appeared out of sorts.
Travis Kelce after warmups and before the Kansas City Chiefs vs the Atlanta Falcons game in Atlanta, Georgia on September 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The game, which ended in a 22-17 victory for the Chiefs, was marked by Kelce’s unusually subdued performance. With Swift notably absent from the stands for the first time this NFL season, fans were quick to notice Kelce’s less-than-stellar form and apparent sadness.
Kelce, who managed only four catches for 30 yards, was captured in a viral clip on social media looking visibly dejected on the sidelines. The 35-year-old sports star was seen rubbing his right eye before staring blankly into space, sparking speculation that something might have been troubling him.
Fans quickly linked his lackluster performance to Swift’s absence, taking to social media to share their thoughts. One user wrote, “What happened to him???” Another commented, “His gf isn’t here. If she was here then he would’ve played better. But what do I know 😂.”
Travis Kelce, #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs in Atlanta, Georgia on September 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Netizens even noticed Kelce’s despondent look, with one stating, “free travis kelce man [sic].” Some fans were convinced his poor showing was a sign of deeper emotional distress. “He seems down. 😕,” shared an observer while another plainly remarked, “No Taylor…”
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the US Open in New York City on September 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As more people weighed in, the comments grew increasingly speculative. “Travis Kelce looks absolutely DONE,” wrote one user while another referenced a viral photo of actor Ben Affleck looking exhausted with a cigarette in hand.
“Starting to look familiar…” noted the user, comparing Kelce’s demeanor to the iconic image of Affleck looking miserable.
Travis Kelce | Source: Getty Images
Rumors about Kelce’s relationship with Swift also began circulating, with one fan suggesting, “The relationship is ending between him and Taylor Swift.” Another commenter showed concern for the athlete, “What happened travis [sic] are you tired?”
The final comment echoed similar sentiments about their relationship, “Taylor didn’t show up tonight, maybe they broke up and he’s heartbroken.”
Travis Kelce | Source: Getty Images
According to sources, Swift decided to stay behind and was missing from her boyfriend’s side. Given the fact that she is typically seen arriving about an hour before kickoff, fans couldn’t help but make speculations about her absence as the game began at 8:20 p.m. in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Taylor Swift in Kansas City, Missouri on September 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Swift’s absence from the game may have surprised fans as her weekend plans were quite different. The singer was spotted out in New York City on Saturday night, September 21, alongside her close friend, Gigi Hadid. She was photographed donning a chic, autumnal outfit that turned heads.
Taylor Swift spotted out in New York City on September 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
The 34-year-old Grammy winner looked effortlessly stylish in a plaid mini skirt paired with a cropped black sweater. She completed her look with a wide brown belt cinching the skirt at the waist, and she carried a small brown leather handbag.
Swift styled her wavy blonde hair in soft curls and donned a subtle makeup look with bold red lipstick that added a pop of color.
On the other hand, Hadid, walking alongside Swift, wore a long, brown trench coat layered over a white shirt, and accessorized with a yellow handbag.