Travis Kelce’s dad, Ed Kelce, has made it clear that love has changed everything for his son.
The Kansas City Chiefs star has been in the spotlight for years, but according to Ed, it wasn’t until Taylor Swift entered the picture that Travis truly found a new level of joy.
At the premiere of “The Kingdom,” the proud dad opened up about how deeply Swift has impacted his son’s life, calling their relationship transformative and admitting that their love story is the real deal.
Ed Says Taylor Swift Is Behind Travis’s Happiness
On August 24, 2025, Ed attended the premiere of "The Kingdom" in Kansas City and spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about his son’s relationship with Swift.
The 74-year-old laid it out plain and simple, noting that Travis’s happiness today can be traced back to his love story with the singer.
When asked what has brought Travis so much joy recently, Ed didn’t hesitate. “Taylor,” he said candidly. “There’s no question about it.”
He also shared that he enjoyed watching the couple’s joint appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast earlier this month, calling the record-breaking episode “so good.”
He added, “I think it was awesome. It was great to see them go back and forth. They’re two people obviously very much in love.”
Ed Talks About Travis’s Achievements
Ed can’t help but beam with pride when he talks about his son.
While the world knows Travis as a record-setting NFL star and Swift’s man, Ed says what truly makes him proud goes far beyond the field.
“I think his continued work ethic is something that really makes you happy,” he shared with PEOPLE.
However, for Ed, it isn’t just about football stats or championship rings; it is also about the way Travis has poured himself into helping others.
“That, combined with the efforts that he puts forth for those less fortunate, for the underserved communities. I think it’s a combination of those things.”
Ed also revealed that this year feels different for the 35-year-old, who has been laser-focused on his performance.
“He has really dedicated himself this season, too,” he explained. “I mean, he’s in the best shape I think he’s been in a long time.”
Travis Kelce Allegedly Behind Taylor Swift’s New Sexiness
Swift may be the source of Travis’s joy, but the football star has also impacted the pop icon as much.
Recently, The Blast reported that insiders revealed Travis was behind the “Cruel Summer” hitmaker’s newly found sexiness.
Recall that Swift recently launched the cover of her upcoming album, and it featured a different side of her.
The singer wore very revealing outfits while lounging in a bathtub.
“Travis treats her with so much dignity and respect, and it has allowed her to explore a sexier side of herself safely,” the source shared.
They also said Swift had never been able to fully embrace her sensual side in past relationships because she didn’t feel as safe with other men as she does with Travis.
The insider explained that the comfort and trust she has found with him has allowed her to step into a more confident version of herself.
Fans Say Taylor Swift Wants To Be A Sex Symbol
While sources believe Swift is embracing her sexier side, critics are convinced she’s desperate to become a sex symbol.
On August 18, she unveiled new cover art for her "The Shiny Bug Vinyl" collection.
On the album cover, Swift stunned in a sparkling maroon and black bodysuit paired with matching gloves and fishnet stockings.
The look mirrored the glamorous vibe of her 12th album’s artwork, which was filled with glittering jewelry and dramatic feathered headdresses.
Unfortunately, the risqué nature of the art sparked backlash from fans.
Many questioned the Grammy Award winner’s sudden desperation “to be seen as a sex symbol.”
Some even described the photos as “obscene and indecent.”
Others noted that it was a desperate attempt to capture fans’ attention and increase sales.
Fans Slam Swift’s Album Cover Photo
The criticism arose after Taylor Swift’s album cover sparked a heated debate online, as she appeared in nothing but shimmering gemstones, styled in a dramatic showgirl aesthetic.
The superstar posed in jewel-encrusted pieces with feathers and glittering details, but not all fans were impressed.
Critics on social media slammed the look as cheap and performative, with some suggesting it lacked authenticity compared to her earlier eras.
“The nude lining padding is so bad, do not do this theme if you are uncomfortable, or at least pick an outfit that is more nicely covered with gemstones…She had to ruin a good theme, too. Now, all Swifties will be obsessed with feathers,” one user on Reddit wrote.
Another Redditor took issue with her hair, commenting, “She also didn't do her hair?? A finger wave. No professional showgirl would have nirvana hair.”