“He’s gotta keep up with his girlfriend”: ESPN ignites backlash after comparing Travis Kelce’s fitness to Taylor Swift’s stamina

As Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce gears up for what could be his final NFL season, the pressure to prove himself isn’t just coming from coaches and fans — it’s now being compared to the relentless stamina of his globally renowned girlfriend, Taylor Swift.

ESPN’s Hannah Storm recently made waves by challenging Kelce’s physical standards, holding them up against the pop star’s demanding tour performances.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour sets a high physical bar for Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has drawn acclaim not only for its musical brilliance but also for the sheer physical endurance it demands. Night after night, Swift commands the stage for more than three hours, dancing, singing, and engaging with thousands of fans — all without missing a beat.

And she's done this back-to-back across continents.

“He’s gotta keep up with his girlfriend, who can do a three-and-a-half-hour concert without skipping a beat. And she does it back-to-back nights,” Storm said on ESPN, drawing a surprising but attention-grabbing comparison between the two stars.While Kelce is a veteran athlete with an impressive track record, last season saw a dip in his performance. He posted career-low numbers in key receiving stats, prompting questions about whether age or injuries were finally catching up with him.

Travis Kelce admits 2024 season was disappointing but isn’t done yet

Kelce himself hasn’t shied away from acknowledging that 2024 didn’t meet his usual standards. “I still feel like I can play at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year,” he said earlier this year. “I got a bad taste in my mouth about how I ended the year… I want to give it a good run.”Determined to bounce back, Kelce has shed nearly 25 pounds this offseason in a bid to regain speed and stamina. His transformation hints at a renewed commitment to finishing strong — perhaps inspired in part by the work ethic of his partner.Also Read: Fans accuse Travis Kelce of distracting Taylor Swift from finishing ‘Reputation’ re-recordingAt 35, both Kelce and Swift are redefining what it means to age in the public eye — one on the field, the other on stage. As fans eagerly await the 2025 NFL season, it’s clear that Kelce’s final push will be measured not only by touchdowns but by his ability to keep pace with the queen of pop.