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Taylor Swift Named a ‘Distraction’ for Travis Kelce As He Dominates TE Market After Record Extension With Chiefs

Published 04/30/2024, 12:52 PM EDT

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Travis Kelce has always been hailed as a premium tight end in the world of the NFL. Especially known for his brotherly connection with Patrick Mahomes on and off the field, the pair has turned the Kansas City Chiefs into a budding dynasty. However, dating Taylor Swift opened up a whole new breed of fame for Travis Kelce. Not only did Taylor Swift add to the Chiefs’ tight end’s popularity and net worth, but the pop queen also turned the NFL on its head. Since the relationship between the star TE and the Grammy-award-winning musician began, Swift has time and again been called a ‘distraction’. And now, when the 9-time Pro Bowler has once again proved to be the best tight end in the NFL, the ‘distraction’ theory has reared its head.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Travis Kelce agreed to a 2-year, $34.25 million contract on Monday, with $17 million fully guaranteed for this season. Brett Veach, the Chiefs GM, revealed that the move to make Travis Kelce the highest-paid tight end was ‘fitting’ and an important move for owner Clark Hunt. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes also celebrated the record-breaking contract extension by posting on X. “I told yall I’ll never let him leave!! Congrats my guy!” wrote Patrick Mahomes. Even though Travis Kelce transforming the tight-end market is a feat to be celebrated, it is still overshadowed by the concern that his relationship with Taylor Swift is a distraction. The same concern was voiced by Craig Carton while appearing on The Carton Show.

While hailing Travis Kelce as the “best tight end in football”, Carton said, “So, why not keep the show going as long as you can keep it going not coming out of your health?” The sports media personality then added, “And now the next part of the conversation for Travis Kelce is gonna be the distraction of dating a megastar and how that plays itself out. People do seem to care about that relationship.” Craig Carton also recognized the astounding effect the 3-time Super Bowl Champion’s new contract had on the tight end market in the NFL.

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Carton said that Kelce “set the table” for other tight ends in the league, who could now expect to make around $20 million when earlier, the figure was around $5–6 million. Travis Kelce has emerged as a trailblazer in his position. “Every tight end in football should thank Travis Kelce for getting this deal done and becoming the highest-paid tight end in the history of football,” according to Carton. Despite Travis Kelce breaking records, not only on the field but off the field as well, his relationship with Taylor Swift continues to come under fire for one reason.

Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift distraction theory, a notion for the ages

The buzz around the Super Bowl featuring the Chiefs and the 49ers shot to stratospheric levels when Taylor Swift’s amalgamation with football garnered nearly 450 million impressions on social media. Conventional advertisements worth $13 million could only hope for 120 million impressions. On the other hand, a simple mention of the romance between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift completely changed the game. Despite the positive effect that Taylor Swift has had on football, not everyone is sold. Even though winning the Super Bowl against the 49ers proved the haters wrong, it seems like being in the limelight due to Taylor Swift will always be a reason for debate.

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The pop superstar spoke out against the hate she received while appearing in football games. During her Time ‘Person of the Year’ interview, she said, “I’m just there to support Travis. I have no awareness of if I’m being shown too much and p***ing off a few dads, Brads, and Chads.” However, the online vitriol does not seem to affect the couple, who continue to support each other. Only time will tell the veracity of the ‘distraction’ theory, but for now, the scales seem to be tipped in the favor of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

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Written by:

Apoorva Behl

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Apoorva Behl is a sports writer for EssentiallySports. With a range that would make Bruce Lee proud, Apoorva?s writing embodies the philosophy of "Be Like Water," flowing seamlessly between a diverse range of sports and sensitive angles. Her articles are known to resonate with her audience, earning her a common spot on the Editor?s Pick list.
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Edited by:

Riya Singhal