The Swiftie Effect: Did Taylor Swift Make Travis Kelce Famous?
A rundown of the new it-couple and SVU students’ reactions.
In the evolving world of celebrity romances, one pair has recently captured the major spotlight with their unexpected public outings. Popstar, Taylor Swift, and NFL star, Travis Kelce, have officially taken over the internet with their new found love. As fans blow up this story, people are scrambling to uncover the details of their ‘love story’. It goes without saying that Swift and Kelce are poised to become one of the most intriguing power couples, blending their worlds, uniting fan bases, and bringing together stage and field. What truly happened at the Arrowhead stadium (and the last several weeks) that sent the world into a frenzy? Especially students in Buena Vista, Virginia.
How It All Began
Before their public debut at the Kansas City Chiefs game, it was rumored that they were in contact with each other. Kelce had attended the Era’s tour while she was in Kansas and according to him, “I wanted to give Taylor Swift one with my number on it” (referring to the fan favorite “friendship bracelets” that are traded around during her concerts). He was not shy to admit he was shooting his shot after it was confirmed she was single after a 6 year relationship. No one truly took what he said seriously — until she was then spotted at the Arrowhead Stadium for a Chiefs game. Talk about a full circle moment.
A Quick Rundown of the ‘Tayvis’ Timeline
September 24, 2023: Taylor is spotted at the Chiefs game in Kelce’s private suit. They were found leaving the game together in their “getaway car” to go to a private dinner.
September 30, 2023: Travis is found leaving Taylor Swift’s New York apartment.
October 1, 2023: Swift is spotted again at a Chiefs game, this time at the Metlife stadium. She is spotted in a private suit with other A-List celebrities like Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman.
October 12, 2023: Taylor attends another Chiefs game!
October 15, 2023: Both Taylor and Travis make an SNL appearance. They are seen leaving together — hand in hand!
The Swiftie Effect
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, even though coming from vastly different fields, are both very successful in their own given fields. Taylor Swift’s fanbase, the Swifties, are the most powerful and loyal fan bases in the music industry. They don’t just simply listen to her music; they’re a passionate community that help propel her songs, and albums to success. On the other hand, Travis Kelce has his own fame in the world of sports. He is successful all on his own and is said to be one of the best tight ends in the league. However, when he publicly declared his admiration for Taylor Swift, and then was seen with her — he not only endeared himself to her fanbase but also witnessed a surge in his own popularity with this new found demographic of Swifties. This phenomenon highlights the incredible power and impact that Swift’s fan base has. It was reported by Sports News that within 24 hours of Taylor Swift being sighted at the Chiefs game, Kelce gained over 400k new Instagram followers, he also had a 400% increase in merch sales, and was in the top 5 selling NFL jerseys. On top of that, the Kansas City Chiefs have gained a whole new fanbase as well. Their Instagram comment section is filled with comments like, “I am now a Chiefs fan,” and “the Swifties have invaded the Chiefs kingdom.” The Chiefs also had a surge of new followers following their game, and it truly goes to show that the Swiftie Effect is bringing two worlds together.
What do your SVU peers think about this new power couple?
While this new relationship has taken over the internet the last couple weeks, it has also made its way into the lives of some of your SVU peers. Here is what some of them have to say about it.
“Taylor Swift has always been a part of my life. She has helped me process my emotions, heal my mental health, and taught me how a woman should carry herself. So, when I see her with a man who pursues her and respects her as a woman and a successful music star- I am happy for my Taylor. Too often she dated a man whose masculinity was threatened by her popularity and overall presence. Travis, however, is the exact opposite! He seems to love the fact that the Dr. Taylor Swift is deigning to spend time with him. He knows his place and hers, and as a result, gives respect where respect is due. Call me weird and way too involved in Taylor’s life, but she enriches mine. I am super supportive of Taylor and Travis- they seem like they’re having fun with each other, and that’s all that matters.” — Hannah Husted (’25, Political Science)
“Taylor has often been ridiculed over her love life. It seems difficult for people to understand that whether or not we approve of them, who she befriends or dates is entirely up to her. If Taylor and Travis get together, hopefully their previous personal experiences with long-term relationships and publicity help them develop a happy and healthy relationship.” — Tenley Baxter
“Hahaha OH MY GOSH I’m the perfect person for this question. I think Taylor and Travis at the Chiefs game were so cute and so fun to watch. I totally agree with the fans who say that Taylor put Travis on the map. I don’t mean that he wasn’t already famous because every football fan I know knows who Travis Kelce is. BUT here’s the thing: everyone who is a Travis fan knows who Taylor Swift is, but not everyone who is a Taylor fan knows who Travis Kelce is. So all this drama with Taylor and Travis literally put him on the map because he now has millions of Swifties who know who he is.” — Mia Shirts (’26, Psychology)
“I am SO supportive! However, I selfishly hope this is an endgame situation but it’s so hard to tell simply because he is so different than anyone she has ever dated, which is why it most likely won’t be an endgame situation…I love that he was already famous, he’s outgoing, he is eveverything she is BUT in a male version! I love how they are successful in two different industries!…He has done everything to make her feel like she is number 1 (which she is)…The announcers using “blank space” and “shake it off” references in their sports descriptions…he has done everything that she has stated she wants in a man, someone who will claim her, loves her and will let her shine! Literally, the guy before (Joe Alwyn) did not let her “bejeweled”. ALSO, if you dissect her song “You’re Losing Me” it is comfirmation of all the things her ex-boyfriend is and all the things her now boyfriend is NOT! I believe Travis is invested in making this work!…Taylor is infamous for her easter eggs, she made an Instagram post right before her Kansas City shows of her Era’s tour, mentioning independance day…she is DONE with her British men, America has WON the war! She is 4th of July, she is Independence Day, she was with the British for years and now she is “tax free” from the British (i.e You’re Losing Me). She is now with Travis and is now America!” — Emma Ferguson (’24, Liberal Arts)
Emma went on to say that her husband (Stockton Ferguson) thinks this is great as well!
“He loves Jason Kelce and is an undercover swiftie”
She ended by telling us that
“It’s bonding us in ways we have never been bonded”
What more could we want??
“I think it’s the relationship of the CENTURY! I think they are more iconic then any celebrity couple ever…EVER! This is the first American she has dated in 9 years and he is HOT! Then if you look at his brother, Jason Kelce, and how he treats his wife, you just know it’s going to be great! … A quality that Travis has that none of her previous boyfriends have had is that he can fight! They don’t have overlap and are famous in their own separate industry. This is the first boyfriend that knows Taylor Swift is TAYLOR SWIFT! All her passed boys made her feel and look small…I was eating up EVERY minute of that Chief’s game. My friends and I were groupchatting and screaming during the whole thing! Especially when she was driving away in her “getaway car”! I had never been more excited to open up my tiktok then I was after her NFL appearance.” — Braylie Green (’25, Biochemistry/Philosophy)
The hot new couple is really starting to take over the hearts of many, and bringing together bonds in people that weren’t there before. Football loving boyfriends now have the attention of their girlfriends when football is on. Worlds are colliding, and it is for the better! As we continue to watch this relationship take this world by storm, we can just sit back and pray that Taylor Swift has found her match! Cross our fingers that there are no more breakup albums on our horizon. Someone needs to go back to 15 year old Taylor and tell her she has “done things in her life greater than dating the boy on the football team” but she has now come full circle, and we can all “take a deep breath”!
