Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce officially began his 13th NFL season with a preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on August 9 in Glendale, Arizona. The return comes after an eventful offseason, both on and off the field.
Interestingly, the number 13 has personal significance for Kelce’s girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift, whose birthday falls on December 13 and who considers it her lucky number. Swift has incorporated “13” into her creative work for years, making the milestone season a symbolic one for the couple.
Chiefs Start Strong as Kelce Showcases Fitness Gains in Preseason Opener Victory
The Chiefs wasted no time making an impact during the game, with newcomer Jason Brownlee scoring a touchdown just minutes into the first quarter. Brownlee, playing his first season with Kansas City, celebrated with an end-zone dance while teammates, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Kelce, joined in with high-fives.
The team later shared the moment on X (formerly Twitter), calling it the “First celly of the year,” signaling both team spirit and optimism for the season ahead.
Travis Kelce (NFL)Kelce dedicated his offseason to improving his fitness, shedding 25 pounds to enhance his speed and agility. Head coach Andy Reid praised the veteran player during a July 24 press conference, remarking, “He looks like he’s 20.”
Since the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in February, Kelce has kept a relatively low public profile, balancing intense training with select appearances alongside Swift. His efforts appear to have paid off, with teammates and coaches noting his impressive conditioning.
Offseason Highlights, Swift Moments, and Exciting Start to Travis Kelce’s 13th Season
Beyond the training field, Kelce participated in several notable events during the offseason. He attended his annual Tight End University camp, where Swift made a rare appearance, and continued co-hosting his popular “New Heights” podcast with brother Jason Kelce.
He also made a cameo in Happy Gilmore 2, joining a lineup of well-known actors. On July 24, Kelce made headlines by featuring Swift on his Instagram for the first time in their two-year relationship, captioning the post with, “Had some adventures this offseason, kept it 💯.” The Chiefs’ official account responded with supportive comments, celebrating his happiness.
While Swift attended ten Chiefs games last season, she was not seen at the August 9 preseason opener in Arizona. The Chiefs will continue their preseason campaign with a home game against the Chicago Bears on August 22.
Their regular season kicks off on September 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, a rare international debut that will test the team’s readiness early on. For Kelce, the combination of improved fitness, renewed energy, and personal happiness could make this 13th season one to remember.
