EXCLUSIVE: Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift romance is GOOD for football and the haters should lay off the Chiefs star tight end, say NFL greats Emmitt Smith and Charles Woodson
Taylor Swift is not impacting her boyfriend’s NFL career and performance – despite some fans hating on the pair’s high-profile romance. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce has handled the global glare of publicity brilliantly while maintaining his high standards on the field. But the NFL has effectively used the couple’s love to woo more viewers over the objections of a growing number of fans.
That is the view of NFL icons and Hall Of Famers Emmitt Smith and Charles Woodson, who have exclusively opened up to Daily Mail on the most controversial talking point in sports. With the couple’s parents set to meet in her absence at Monday’s Chiefs-Eagles game in Kansas City, Smith praised Swift and Kelce on how they have handled the global glare of publicity. The ex-Dallas Cowboys legend reckons Kelce is balancing his off-the-field romance and his performances well, despite the pressures of being ‘in the number one seat.’
Smith, the league’s all-time leading rusher, has clapped back at haters for NFL broadcasts featuring the pair so much – insisting it is bringing in new fans. Friend and Oakland Raiders legend Woodson also stood up for Kelce against critics, who have criticized his personal life interfering with his football. Woodson feels Kelce’s determination burns brighter than ever – and Swift is supporting and encouraging that desire, while not having any adverse effects. The pair opened on the hottest talking point in the NFL during a special Las Vegas F! Culinary Kick Off event.
Woodson (left) and Smith (right) opened up on the topic during an event in Las Vegas
Reports say Kelce and Swift will take their romance to the next level on Monday, with their parents set to meet at Arrowhead Stadium, where his Chiefs will square off with his brother Jason’s Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch. Oakland Raiders legend Woodson feels their fame is like nothing ever seen in the NFL’s history The 47-year-old former defensive star said: ‘He is in a world he is not ready for. ‘So I would say good luck.
‘But we have a saying, ”Keep the main thing the main thing’. And he is doing that. ‘As long as it doesn’t affect playing, training and regiments – then it is not affecting him as a player. He just keeps doing what he is doing to be better player, and he is doing that. ‘As soon as it starts to affect that then you have a problem. ‘But I truly believe he is a guy that wants to be considered to be the best player in the position and he will continue to work as hard as he can without the extra celebrity level.’
Smith added: ‘Most people want to live that life until they get into it. ‘A lot of people want to get into that number one seat but they do not understand what the pressures are. (You have to) spend your life preparing to be in that seat and understanding the pressures. So when you get in that seat you do not stop. They are doing well. I am happy for them. ‘I wish them both well. They are enjoying life. ‘I understand what both of them are dealing with. Most people don’t.’
While it appears Kelce has been featured in more TV commercials and advertising roles, Smith says that is not the case. He feels companies, media and the NFL are all using their happiness to promote their businesses and earn money, Smith, 54, said: ‘He filmed those (commercials), before they were together. He was already big.
‘If these two are in love – kudos. The best thing I can tell you is enjoy it. ‘I lived that life and have seen how this story plays out. I never said it wasn’t good (as a relationship), but everybody is exploiting you. ‘You get visibility which makes you more valuable in that regard.
‘The TV and NFL is all about revenue and clicks and visibility. So it’s great for TV because TV got content that they can talk about. It’s great for NFL, they got stuff that they could talk about and try to bring more fans in. So from a financial standpoint it works for them. But Travis and Taylor are not benefiting from all affairs.’
He feels that the couple will want privacy at some point, which may prove challenging. ‘The light is bright. Sometimes you need to dim that light. There are stresses at some point and they are going to want their privacy. So for them it will be about when is enough enough? ‘Because it will never be enough for people who want more content.’
Woodson and Smith both feel that the pair have handled the limelight well. Ex Raiders star Woodson says Kelce will become a star of show business now – not just sport ‘Good for him. It is going to pay off astronomically. When you are dating the biggest celebrity in the world, it takes his fame to a whole new level.
‘But it is like ‘how do you handle it?’
‘I don’t know her but I would imagine.
‘I hope she is like ‘hey you have your thing you do and then when it is time, we do ours.’ Woodson and Smith spoke at the Culinary Kickoff Grand Prix, which featured food and drink offerings from some of Vegas’ finest chefs including Todd English, Belle English, Aaron May, Rick Moonen and Antwan Ellis.
On stage the pair were given a warm welcome alongside fellow Hall Of Famer Warren Moon. Smith revealed exclusively that he will open his own restaurant – Emmitt’s Steakhouse – close to The Fashion Mall on the strip in January. Smiling Smith revealed ‘Food brings families together and friends together – so camaraderie and socialization happens.
Monday’s game was set to be the first meeting for Andrea and Scott Swift to with Kelce’s folks
‘We will have steak and seafood, great desserts and the drinks are going to be phenomenal and deliver an experience for people who want to come back. ‘Vegas is growing. Sports and entertainment and great food and great nightlife is what this city is all about. So why not be a part of it? ‘And I plan on being at the restaurant, popping in because I am here 20 times a year.’
Woodson, promoting his Kentucky bourbon at the Ava Rose PR event, added that his passion burns bright in the overstayed celebrity promoted world of alcohol brands. ‘I get a great deal of satisfaction that comes with this, but it’s a tough business. ‘I put a lot of my capital in it, really understood what it’s about and what it takes early.’
