September 22, 2026

Daily Pulse

Clear reporting on the stories that matter

Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Links Taylor Swift's Influence to Travis Kelce's Stellar Season Opening

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce delivered a stellar performance, prompting head coach Andy Reid to playfully suggest his pop superstar wife, Taylor Swift, might be an added source of motivation.

Sports·

Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Links Taylor Swift's Influence to Travis Kelce's Stellar Season Opening

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce delivered a vintage performance during the team's overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. He recorded nine catches on eleven targets, accumulating 101 yards and scoring a touchdown. This marked the first time Kelce had surpassed 100 receiving yards in a regular-season contest since November 4, 2024, against the Houston Texans. He had also previously achieved 117 yards against the Texans in the playoffs on January 18, 2025.

While Kelce, at 36, might be the first to admit his movements aren't what they were a decade ago, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hinted on Monday that there could be an additional source of motivation at play, referencing Kelce's marriage.

Reid's Playful Remarks on Motivation

Speaking to reporters, Coach Reid emphasized Kelce's dedication. "Trav worked his tail off," Reid stated, adding that Kelce himself likely acknowledged his extensive effort after the game. Reid also mentioned Kelce's appreciation for his "surrounding cast," suggesting it acts as "an extra challenge there to make sure that you're up there and competing and doing your part with that other group."

Reid continued by addressing previous speculation. "So, he takes a lot of pride in that, but I know … everybody questioned with the wedding and all that. Would he be out of shape and honeymooning the whole time and all that? But he works his rear end off and I think Taylor (Swift), you're putting on four-hour shows, you've got to work hard, too. So, I'm sure she kicks him in the butt a little bit there, too."

Taylor Swift has attended both of the Chiefs' games this season. During the matchup against the Colts, she was seen proudly displaying her wedding ring to the crowd after Kelce scored a touchdown, exclaiming with joy, "That’s my husband."

Offseason Dedication and Game Outcome

Beyond the lighthearted comments, Reid also highlighted Kelce's dedicated focus on his physical well-being during the offseason. The coach detailed that Kelce "focused in on his body strength and his glutes and everything where you develop all the power and speed and maintain it and he's done a good job in those areas, where he's been able to maintain good explosiveness."

The Chiefs ultimately secured a tight 33-30 victory against the Colts, improving their season record to 2-0.

Travis KelceTaylor SwiftAndy ReidKansas City ChiefsNFLfootball performancesports newstight end

Related Stories