Despite the increased paparazzi and exploding social media followership, Kansas City Chiefs tightend Travis Kelce says he is not letting his connection with Taylor Swift distract himself from football.
Kelce's budding relationship with the pop star has been one of the dominant storylines of the NFL season thus far.
"I've always been pretty good about compartmentalising and being able to stay focused in this building," he said. "I think it's always been that for me.
"No matter what's going on in my life, good or bad, I think this is one place I can get away, and just being locked in and focused, and always check myself and my ego at the door, and make sure that I come in with a clear mind."
Kelce did say earlier this week that he believes the league is "overdoing it" with the amount of times Swift was shown on TV broadcasts when she attended the Chiefs' last two games against the Chicago Bears and New York Jets.
"As all the attention comes, it feels like, you know, I was on top of the world after the Super Bowl and right now even more on top of the world, so it's fun," Kelce said Friday. "Everybody is having fun with it, you know.
"Whether I think they're overdoing it or not, I'd know I brought this to myself or I've been fortunate enough to have fun with it. That's where all that really matters is that it's not pissing anybody off [in the Chiefs' facility] at least."
It is unclear whether Swift will attend the Chiefs game against Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis on Monday. Her next scheduled tour dates are October 18-20 at Miami Gardens, Florida.
"We're learning with the paparazzi, just taking photos from all over the place, but at the same time, what comes with it, it comes with it," said Kelce. "You've got a lot of people that care about Taylor and for good reason, so I've just got to keep living and learning, and enjoying the moments.
"It's worldwide, man. Everybody's having fun with it."
After missing the season-opener with a hyperextended knee, Kelce has played in the past three games - all Kansas City wins - and has caught 17 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Reuters
