When the Kansas City Chiefs hit a snag during the regular season in 2023—and particularly in December, when they lost three of their five games—it became trendy in some circles to label musician Taylor Swift a distraction.
After all, Swift’s relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had elevated Kansas City to a new level of global celebrity. Perhaps the Chiefs were unable to handle the increased spotlight cast upon them by arguably the most famous living American. Perhaps Swift was to blame.
That narrative never truly took hold, however, because by all accounts Kansas City players and coaches found Swift a delight. On Friday’s episode of The Sports Shop With Reese & K-Mac, Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt ladled out praise on Swift.
“Upon meeting her, I felt like she actually added to what it was we were trying to do,” Merritt said. “Because there were so many people that were hating the fact that she was being shown on the TV. (We were like), you know what? You’re part of our family because you’re with Travis, so therefore you’re our little sister. You’re part of our family.”
Merritt, who suggested Swift had started coming to Arrowhead Stadium before Kansas City’s much-publicized 41-10 win over the Chicago Bears on Sept. 24, then firmly put rumblings of “distraction” to bed (if the Chiefs’ world championship didn’t do that already).
“She actually affected the team in a positive way. It wasn’t a negative way. Everybody was excited that Travis was happy,” he said. “So, when my player, my brother, is happy beside me that helps me and that encourages me. Travis came in there a different man.”
