Travis Kelce is back on the field, and this time, his 13th NFL season comes with a sweet nod to girlfriend Taylor Swift.
The Kansas City Chiefs star, fresh from a whirlwind offseason, suited up on Saturday, Aug. 9, for the team’s preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona. The number 13 is a big deal for Swift, whose birthday falls on Dec. 13 and who has woven the number into her music, videos, and personal life as her good luck charm.
The Chiefs came out firing in their first game, with rookie wide receiver Jason Brownlee scoring a touchdown just minutes into the first quarter. Brownlee, clearly enjoying his first NFL moment, danced in the end zone while teammates – including Patrick Mahomes and Kelce – rushed over for high-fives. The team posted a clip on X with the caption, “First celly of the year,” marking the start of what fans hope is another winning run.
First celly of the year 😮💨#ForTheCelly | @budlight pic.twitter.com/TGcHn9D8I1
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 10, 2025
Kelce, now 35, spent the offseason laser-focused on getting leaner and faster. By May, he told reporters he’d dropped 25 pounds, a transformation that didn’t go unnoticed. Head coach Andy Reid, speaking at training camp on July 24, praised the tight end’s conditioning, saying, “He looks like he’s 20. He’s doing a great job. He’s in great shape.”
Since the Chiefs’ tough Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles back in February, Kelce has kept a relatively low profile. That’s not to say it’s been all work – he mixed in trips and outings with Swift, including her surprise appearance at his annual Tight End University camp. The offseason also saw him recording new episodes of the New Heights podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, and even making a cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 alongside a star-studded cast.
On July 24, Kelce made headlines off the field when he “hard-launched” his relationship with Swift on Instagram. It was the first time in their two-year romance he’d featured her on his page, sharing a carousel of offseason moments with the caption, “Had some adventures this offseason, kept it 💯.” The Chiefs’ official Instagram account jumped in with a supportive comment: “Things we love to see: travis happy 🥹❤️.”
Swift, who attended 10 Chiefs games during the 2024–25 season, wasn’t spotted in Arizona for Saturday’s game. Fans will be watching closely to see if she makes it to their first preseason home game on Aug. 22 against the Chicago Bears. The regular-season opener is set for Sept. 5 in São Paulo, Brazil, where the Chiefs will face the Los Angeles Chargers in a high-profile international matchup.
Kelce’s 13th season isn’t just a milestone for his career – it’s another chapter in the high-profile pairing that’s captured headlines for over two years. For Chiefs fans, the hope is that his offseason conditioning and Swift-inspired good luck number add up to another Super Bowl run. For Swifties, every game in Season 13 might feel like one of her Easter eggs come to life.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
