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Travis Kelce’s happiness both on and off the field seems to have a clear source: his girlfriend, global superstar Taylor Swift. During the premiere of The Kingdom in Kansas City on August 24, Ed Kelce, the 74-year-old father of the NFL star, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the profound impact Swift has had on his youngest son.
"Taylor," Ed said when asked about the reason behind Travis’ joy. "There's no question about it."
Ed, who attended the premiere to support the documentary chronicling the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2024 season, praised the couple’s dynamic during their appearance on the New Heights podcast earlier this month.
"I think it was awesome," he said. "It was great to see them go back and forth. They're two people obviously very much in love."
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: A relationship in full bloom
Travis, 35, and Swift, also 35, began dating in 2023 after their paths crossed at Arrowhead Stadium during her Eras Tour. Travis invited the singer to a game that September, and their relationship quickly escalated. They confirmed their romance publicly in October 2023 at a Saturday Night Live afterparty and went Instagram official in June 2024 with a memorable selfie. The pair made their red carpet debut together a year later at the Tight End University training camp in Nashville.
A source close to the couple told PEOPLE that Taylor Swift is "really looking forward" to supporting Travis during the 2025-2026 NFL season, especially now that her Eras Tour, which grossed over $2 billion and spanned five continents, has concluded. The source emphasized that the focus for both is "very much on private time out of the spotlight."
Pride in Kelce’s growth on and off the field
For Ed Kelce, seeing his son succeed professionally and personally has been a source of immense pride. Beyond his record-breaking NFL career, Travis’ dedication to family, community, and his relationship with Taylor Swift reflects a holistic approach to life that impresses his father.
"I think his continued work ethic is something that really makes you happy," Ed remarked. "That, combined with the efforts that he puts forth for those less fortunate, for the underserved communities. I think it's a combination of those things. He has really dedicated himself this season, too. I mean, he's in the best shape I think he's been in a long time."
Streaming The Kingdom
The Kingdom, now streaming on ESPN+, offers a detailed look at the Chiefs’ 2024 season and highlights Travis Kelce’s journey, both as a football icon and as a central figure in the franchise’s history. Fans can watch the series to see the star’s life on and off the field, including his evolving relationship with Taylor Swift.
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