Best of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance: A timeline

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce | Images: Screengrab/X

Had your fill of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce yet? Yep, we didn’t think so, too. So how did the love story of a global superstar and American football’s hottest player start? And how long and where do you think their romance will take them?

While our crystal ball is taking its own sweet time finding out, allow us to take a look-see at how their love affair blossomed and has taken them this far.

The Friendship Bracelet

Amid the excitement between tours and touchdowns, Taylor and Travis managed to bring together seemingly disparate worlds, giving their fans a front-row ticket to a fairy tale love story.

In July 2023, Travis, Kansas City’s tight end, joined the throng of Swifties at Arrowhead Stadium for the Eras Tour in Kansas City, Missouri, marking the beginning of their engrossing story.

READ: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce nominated for Webby awards

The plot thickened later that month when Travis offered an intriguing anecdote on his New Heights podcast about his charming, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to catch Taylor’s attention while on tour. Travis opted to join fans in making and exchanging friendship bracelets on the Eras Tour, which is a hallmark practice. He then revealed that he incorporated his phone number within the bracelet as a direct line to him.

In the end, Travis openly voiced his disappointment at not being able to physically hand the bracelet to Taylor. This early endeavor, although unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for the unfolding narrative of their relationship.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks off the field after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Taylor’s first appearance at the Chief’s game

Taylor Swift’s first unexpected appearance at a Kansas City Chiefs game drew a lot of attention from Swifties and NFL enthusiasts alike. On September 24, Taylor was seen supporting the Chiefs from Travis’ suite, alongside his mother, Donna Kelce, as they faced off against the Chicago Bears. Fans couldn’t help but notice the exchange of smitten glances between Taylor and Travis at the game.

On an episode of their New Heights podcast, Travis tipped his hat off to Taylor for attending the game and shared the positive impression she left on his friends and family. He also cleverly referenced Taylor’s song “Getaway Car” to describe their departure.

“It was definitely a game I’ll remember, that’s for sure. Then we just slid off in the getaway car at the end. Took my Chevelle to the game,” Travis shared.

Taylor Swift with Donna, mother of NFL star Travis Kelce, at the Arrowhead Stadium during Kansas City Chief’s game against Chicago Bears. (David Eulitt/Getty Images/AFP)

‘TayVis’ Holding Hands

Taylor and Travis sent the rumor mill into overdrive when they appeared holding hands together at the afterparty for the Season 49 premiere of “Saturday Night Live”. Their public display of affection was the couple’s way of putting an end to speculation and consequently generating tremendous excitement among fans and media outlets alike. This event was a watershed moment in their relationship, indicating their willingness to embrace their relationship in public.

‘Karma is the guy on the CHIEFS’

LOOK: American pop star Taylor Swift gets cozy with NFL player Travis Kelce, kissing her new rumored boyfriend on the cheek after watching his game. | 📷: Chariah Gordon/Instagram

Travis’ unwavering support for Taylor was on full display during her Eras Tour in Buenos Aires when he was spotted in the VIP tent at Estadio River Plate, accompanied by Scott Swift, Taylor’s father. This underscored Travis’ commitment to being by Taylor’s side, even across continents and amidst the frenzy of her international tour.

The highlight of the concert came during the final act when Taylor made a dramatic alteration to the lyrics of her song “Karma.” Instead of the original lyric, she swapped it with, “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me,” much to the delight of the crowd.

As the show concluded, fans swooned when Taylor ran into Travis’ arms for a heartfelt kiss, leaving fans gushing with excitement. At that point, their love story finally had its full circle moment — from Travis attending the Eras Tour as an admirer to finally attending the Eras Tour as her boyfriend.

Travis says ‘I Love You’

February 11, 2024 Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce kisses partner Taylor Swift as they celebrate after Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Travis shared a tender moment with Taylor moments after the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, securing their position in the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year. 

In a heartfelt exchange, Travis expressed his affection for Taylor, declaring, “Tay, I’m going to enjoy with the guys, I love you.” As Taylor was enveloped in his embrace, Travis continued, “So much it’s not funny.”

Their touching exchange went viral on social media and received an overwhelming response from their fans.

Ultimately, Taylor and Travis’ love story has captivated fans globally, bridging the worlds of music and sports. From their initial meetings to public declarations of affection, their journey has touched countless fans. As they continue to navigate their relationship under the spotlight, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter, cheering them on every step of the way. — Wyneth Galamay