From concerts to kickoffs: Ed Kelce shows just how close he’s grown to Taylor Swift

Kansas City Chiefs fans attending Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders were treated to more than just football. Ed Kelce, the beloved father of Chiefs star Travis Kelce, was spotted outside Arrowhead Stadium handing out handmade friendship bracelets, a touching nod to Taylor Swift’s fandom and her connection with the Kelce family.

A wholesome game-day moment that melted hearts in Kansas City

Chiefs season ticket holders Brianne Kobe and Decemeber Brammer were among the lucky fans who received the bracelets from the 73-year-old Kelce patriarch. “We are season ticket members of the Chiefs and have been for 14 years. We’ve loved having the Kelce family in Kansas City, and welcome Taylor with open arms,” Brammer told PEOPLE. She described the moment as unexpectedly sweet, saying, “He was so sweet and greeting everyone and [was] the cutest passing them out!”

A small gesture that symbolizes a bigger love story

The bracelets Ed handed out were no ordinary souvenirs, they were intricately beaded with “Travis” and “Taylor” connected by a single heart bead and marked with an “E” for Ed.

For many fans, it symbolized the merging of two worlds: the NFL and the Swiftie universe. Friendship bracelets have become a cornerstone of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour culture, inspired by the lyric “make the friendship bracelets” from her song You’re On Your Own, Kid.Swift herself has spoken fondly about the fan tradition, telling a New Orleans crowd in 2024, “You’ve created traditions. You’ve created this mass movement of joy every time we play a show.

And it makes me so proud, it really does.”

The Kelce family fully embraces the Swiftie spirit

This isn’t the first time Ed Kelce has joined in on the bracelet fun, he previously handed out similar tokens at Swift’s Toronto concert in 2024, following in the footsteps of Taylor’s dad, Scott Swift, who has also become a fan favorite for doing the same.Now with Taylor and Travis engaged, their families have become symbols of mutual respect and warmth, blending pop culture and sports in a way few relationships have. As one fan put it after meeting Ed, “It’s moments like these that remind us why the Kelces are so loved, they make everyone feel like part of their story.”Also Read: “Directly shading taylor”: Olivia Rodrigo sparks fresh feud rumors with Taylor Swift as Travis Kelce’s ex Kayla Nicole get dragged into the mix