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Travis Kelce | Source: Getty Images
Travis Kelce | Source: Getty Images

What Was Travis Kelce's Reaction to Taylor Swift Being Booed by Fans at Super Bowl 2025?

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Feb 11, 2025
07:06 A.M.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's relationship has been a fixture in sports and entertainment headlines for over a year. For the 2025 Super Bowl, Swift intended to keep a low profile, but things didn't go as planned. Experts have since analyzed her reaction after the surprising turn of events, and the internet is buzzing with opinions.

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Taylor Swift attended the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. As she cheered him on from the stands, her brief moment on the stadium jumbotron drew boos from the Eagles-heavy crowd.

Taylor Swift with Ed and Donna Kelce, Ashley Avignone, Ross Travis, Alana, Danielle, and Este Haim, at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Taylor Swift with Ed and Donna Kelce, Ashley Avignone, Ross Travis, Alana, Danielle, and Este Haim, at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

While Swift remained calm, the incident sparked immediate reactions from media commentators and public figures alike. For Kelce, who was already dealing with a difficult game, the situation only added to the challenges of an already high-pressure evening.

Taylor Swift reacts as she leans to watch Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Taylor Swift reacts as she leans to watch Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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Kelce and Swift: Partners on and off the Field

As the Kansas City Chiefs star tight end, Kelce is one ofNFL's most celebrated players and a key leader for his team. Off the field, Kelce's focus is just as devoted to supporting his girlfriend, Swift, who has become a regular presence at his games.

Brittany Mahomes, Jason Kelce, and Taylor Swift during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, New York | Source: Getty Images

Brittany Mahomes, Jason Kelce, and Taylor Swift during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, New York | Source: Getty Images

The couple's relationship has been a source of endless fascination, blending the worlds of professional sports and pop stardom. Swift has stood by Kelce through many major moments in his career.

Most recently, she attended the AFC Championship on January 26, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs faced off against the Buffalo Bills. Dressed casually in a black beanie, a patterned jacket, and bright red tights, she slipped into the stadium quietly before kickoff to cheer for Kelce.

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Taylor Swift arrives before the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Taylor Swift arrives before the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Despite their high-profile status, Kelce and Swift prioritize supporting each other's careers. Kelce has been spotted at multiple stops on Swift's Eras tour, clapping and dancing along with fans from backstage.

Taylor Swift is joined on stage by Travis Kelce during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on June 23, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Taylor Swift is joined on stage by Travis Kelce during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on June 23, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

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Swift, in turn, has celebrated some of his biggest NFL victories — none more memorable than last year's Super Bowl, where the couple kissed on the field surrounded by red and gold confetti after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift celebrate his Super Bowl LVIII win at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift celebrate his Super Bowl LVIII win at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

As the 2025 Super Bowl approached, both were optimistic about another big moment. The singer was excited to support Kelce again but wanted to stay out of the spotlight.

According to insiders, she arrived in New Orleans just two days before the game, carefully avoiding the typical week of pre-game build-up to help Kelce stay focused. But despite their best-laid plans, things didn't quite go as expected.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift celebrate after the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift celebrate after the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images

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The Booing Incident: What Happened at the Super Bowl?

The excitement in the Superdome shifted early in the game when Swift's face appeared on the stadium's jumbotron. Normally, her public appearances draw cheers and waves from fans, but this time was different. A wave of boos swept through the crowd, catching many by surprise.

The reaction came from the largely Eagles-supporting audience, making it clear that not everyone in the stadium was thrilled about her presence. Though the reason behind the boos is unclear, there are several possibilities. A source close to Kelce noted that a lingering rivalry may have fueled the situation.

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"It's clear to many that the Eagles fans feel she is a traitor of sorts—being from Pennsylvania and even wearing Eagles gear prior to dating him," the source said. Others believe it was simply part of the spirited atmosphere associated with an intense Super Bowl matchup.

Ashley Avignone, Taylor Swift, and Ross Travis look anxious during Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Ashley Avignone, Taylor Swift, and Ross Travis look anxious during Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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Regardless of the reason, the reaction left an impression and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Swift's confusion was evident when she was captured on camera.

Lip reader Nicola Hickling later revealed that she mouthed, "Aww what, what's going on?" before giving a subtle, sarcastic side-eye to those around her. According to body language expert Judi James, her demeanor changed noticeably as the night wore on.

Taylor Swift chats with Ice Spice and Ashley Avignone during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Taylor Swift chats with Ice Spice and Ashley Avignone during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

"[She] began in signature sweetheart mode, dressed in sparkly shorts and a white vest. She looked as excited and busy as usual[...] chatting and whispering with one hand over her mouth like a teenage fan," James explained.

Ice Spice and Ashley Avignone sit with Taylor Swift as she watches her boyfriend play on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Ice Spice and Ashley Avignone sit with Taylor Swift as she watches her boyfriend play on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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"But as the Chiefs struggled on the field, her mood shifted. The mood music changed dramatically though. With her boyfriend's team losing badly by halftime,[..] Taylor looked more like a haunting presence," James continued.

Kelce stood dejectedly below, wiping his forehead in bewilderment, and her mood seemed to mirror his. No longer in a celebratory mood, she stood alone on the balcony, gazing at him with a grim expression. Her hands were splayed, gripping the rail tightly, as if reflecting the shared despair.

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Ashley Avignone and Taylor Swift with Alana and Este Haim at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images

Ashley Avignone and Taylor Swift with Alana and Este Haim at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images

Adding to the charged atmosphere was the presence of President Donald Trump in the stadium — the first sitting president in history to attend a Super Bowl. His attendance drew significant attention and would later become an unexpected part of the controversy.

President Donald Trump during a discussion with reporters in Washington, D.C., on January 30, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump during a discussion with reporters in Washington, D.C., on January 30, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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Trump's Comment Ignites Controversy

The reaction to Swift's brief appearance on the jumbotron didn't stay confined to the stadium. It caught the attention of Trump, who weighed in on Truth Social.

Donald Trump during the 2025 Republican Issues Conference in Doral, Florida on January 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Donald Trump during the 2025 Republican Issues Conference in Doral, Florida on January 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

His blunt comment read, "The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!"

The timing of his comment stood out, especially since Kelce had previously called Trump's presence at the game an honor.

Travis Kelce reacts on the field before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Travis Kelce reacts on the field before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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"It's awesome. It's a great honor, I think, no matter who the president is," Kelce said before the game. "It's the biggest game of my life, and having the president there — it's the best country in the world — and that's pretty cool."

Trump's jab starkly contrasted Kelce's respectful remarks. For Kelce, who had already been dealing with the pressure of the game and the unexpected reaction toward Swift, it was yet another blow.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on after Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on after Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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Kelce's Reaction: 'It Broke His Heart'

While Swift kept her composure throughout the incident, Kelce took the reaction personally. According to a source close to the NFL star, he felt powerless watching the boos unfold.

Travis Kelce reacts on the field before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Travis Kelce reacts on the field before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

"Travis was aware of Taylor getting booed, and he felt helpless. Seeing the look on her face got to him," the source revealed. "He always protects her, and it broke his heart. He was already having a tough night, and the fact that the stadium was predominantly Eagles fans didn't help."

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Kelce found Trump's comment especially hurtful. Despite everything, he remained focused on his game, though the combination of the Chiefs' performance and the crowd's reaction made it clear this was not the Super Bowl experience they had hoped for.

Travis Kelce practices during the Super Bowl LIX Pregame at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Travis Kelce practices during the Super Bowl LIX Pregame at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The Super Bowl loss capped off what had already been a challenging week for the couple. Just days before the game, Swift was shut out at the Grammys, missing out on key awards despite multiple nominations.

For Kelce, the Super Bowl was supposed to be a chance to end the season on a high note, but the Kansas City Chiefs struggled throughout the game, ultimately losing 40–22 to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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Social Media Reactions

The Chiefs' devastating loss and the booing incident at the Super Bowl didn't go unnoticed online. Social media users quickly shared their thoughts, with many criticizing the couple.

Comments included, "Goodbye, Travis and Taylor! Disappointment is good for the soul and growth as an individual" and "Rethink… humble pie." Another added, "Both should have stayed home."

Taylor Swift embraces Travis Kelce on January 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Taylor Swift embraces Travis Kelce on January 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Others questioned whether their relationship was becoming a distraction for Kelce. "The adoration associated with fame is very fragile and very temporary, as Taylor Swift is finding out,"said one.

Other comments read, "Kelce's and Swift's egos have been shattered. The relationship isn't strong enough to endure the losses for either of them," and "His career would be over[—]that's what happens when you allow distractions at your workplace. He is more into social engagements than playing NFL now."

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Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs meet after Philadelphia beat Kansas City 40-22 to win Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs meet after Philadelphia beat Kansas City 40-22 to win Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The 2025 Super Bowl may not have gone Kelce and Swift's way, but the couple has faced public scrutiny before. It's been a tough week between the game's outcome, Swift's Grammy snub, and the online backlash.

Still, those close to them say that their bond remains strong. "Even though this is not a happy ending to the season, having her love gives him so much joy," a source reported.

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