Taylor Swift Takes a More ‘Private’ Approach to Her Travis Kelce Relationship—and Skips Sunday’s Game

Taylor Swift is taking some of the spotlight off her and Travis Kelce’s burgeoning, highly-publicized relationship. After attending two of Kelce’s NFL games in a row, the singer opted to skip the Kansas City Chiefs’ face-off against the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL confirmed her absence shortly after the game began.

She also wasn’t seen with Kelce on his birthday last week. The singer had sparked rumors that she traveled to be with him when she was seen leaving New York City the day before the big day. Kelce was instead photographed hanging out with friends in a stadium parking lot in Kansas City, Missouri for an hour before returning to a training facility.

So, why the change in approach? Kelce and an Entertainment Tonight source warned people that Swift and Kelce intended to be a little more private last week.

“When Taylor and Travis first connected, Taylor was looking to have fun while enjoying some downtime,” a source said on September 28. “So far, it’s been a nice change of pace for her. Now, as things progress between Taylor and Travis, they’re both looking to keep it more private. They’re both excited about where things are headed.”

In his New Heights podcast on September 27, Kelce said, “I want to respect both of our lives. She’s not in the media as much as I am doing this show every single week and you know, having fun during the NFL season and on other guys’ shows like the McAfee Show, and any other show that I go on from here on out. I’m enjoying life, and I sure as hell enjoyed this weekend so everything moving forward, I think me talking about sports…will kind of have to be where I keep it.”

Rest assured, the excitement remains between them, though.

In fact, a source spoke about Kelce’s feelings for Swift yesterday to The Messenger, along with his thoughts on her attending his games. “He jokes she is his good luck charm,” the source said, since the Chiefs won both the games that Swift attended. (They also won yesterday’s game, where she notably wasn’t present.) “Taylor is having the time of her life at these football games cheering on Travis. Her and her friends are fully embracing this era and are having a lot of fun being there. Taylor has worked very hard this last year and It’s fun for her to bring all of her friends along, let loose and show support.”

Kelce and Swift haven’t been physically seen together since Swift attended her first Chiefs game on September 24.

He was photographed leaving Swift’s apartment after spending a little time there the morning of October 1, before his game against the New York Jets. Swift attended that game with a group of friends including Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Sophie Turner. She left with the group.

Swift, of course, is no stranger to flying under the radar. Much of her last six-year romance with Joe Alwyn was kept completely private.

Senior News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.