Travis Kelce Slammed Over Rule-Breaking Taylor Swift Date Before Super Bowl

NFL Fans Question Travis Kelce’s Focus After Pre-Super Bowl Outing with Taylor Swift
By Ben Nagle | Updated: 16:47 GMT, 8 February 2025

[Image 1: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift swarmed by fans outside a New Orleans restaurant.]

NFL star Travis Kelce faces criticism for breaking his own pre-Super Bowl rules after dining out with girlfriend Taylor Swift, Patrick Mahomes, and Brittany Mahomes in New Orleans just 48 hours before the championship game. Fans slammed the Chiefs tight end for appearing “unfocused” ahead of Sunday’s historic three-peat bid against the San Francisco 49ers.

Last year, Kelce emphasized strict preparation before the Super Bowl, telling his brother Jason on their New Heights podcast: “We’ve got one week to do what we need to do. Then we can party in Vegas for the rest of our lives.” However, footage of Kelce leaving Lilette restaurant with Swift and the Mahomes’ on Friday night—surrounded by cheering fans—sparked backlash.

[Image 2: Kelce and Swift holding hands while security escorts them to a car.]

Social media erupted, with one fan stating, “Kelce’s supposed to be locked in, not on double dates.” Another criticized: “This outing could’ve waited. He’s complacent.” A third referenced Kelce’s past remarks: “Players usually avoid distractions pre-Super Bowl—even he said so!”

The dinner marked Swift’s first public appearance since arriving in New Orleans. Unlike last year’s frenzied sprint from her Tokyo tour date to Las Vegas, she’s had more time to settle in before joining A-list friends in the Superdome’s VIP suites.

[Image 3: Patrick and Brittany Mahomes smiling as they exit the restaurant.]

Despite the scrutiny, sources claim Swift is “worried” about diverting attention from Kelce’s game. “She wants Travis at 110%,” an insider told The Sun. “This week should be about his historic moment, not her.”

The quartet’s meal drew hundreds of fans to Magazine Street, with Kelce waving to crowds before ushering Swift into a waiting car. While some questioned his commitment, teammates defended his focus. Kelce attended Chiefs practices earlier in the week and remains at the team’s Canal Street hotel, adhering to the NFL’s pre-game protocols.

[Image 4: Kelce practicing with the Chiefs ahead of the Super Bowl.]

The Chiefs aim to become the first NFL team in 20 years to win three consecutive titles. Kelce, a key part of their dynasty, has repeatedly credited his work ethic for success. Yet critics argue his high-profile romance with Swift—and their very public outings—could disrupt team focus.

Swift, however, has been a regular at Chiefs games this season, famously cheering Kelce on from suites. The couple’s relationship has boosted NFL viewership, with the league embracing their crossover appeal. Still, this week’s dinner reignited debates over balancing personal life and playoff preparation.

[Image 5: Swift in a black dress alongside Kelce during the dinner.]

As kickoff looms, Kelce and Mahomes are sequestered at the team hotel, finalizing strategies. Meanwhile, Swift is expected to attend the game alongside celebrities like Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Whether the dinner impacts Kelce’s performance remains to be seen, but the tight end has thrived under pressure before. As one supporter tweeted: “Let the man live! He’s got four Super Bowl rings—he knows how to prep.”

[Image 6: Swift cheering in a Chiefs suite during a regular-season game.]

With history on the line, Sunday’s game will test whether Kelce’s night out was a misstep or a non-issue. For now, all eyes are on New Orleans—and the spotlight is brighter than ever.

Share or comment on this article: NFL fans slam ‘unfocused’ Travis Kelce over pre-Super Bowl date with Taylor Swift… as he breaks his own rule

Word count: ~650
Image placements noted with captions for reference.