What do KC couples think of Swift-Kelce engagement? Not everyone agrees | Opinion
I could sense that love was in the air Tuesday in Kansas City after pop star Taylor Swift announced she was engaged to Chiefs player Travis Kelce. So I took to the streets to get reactions from local couples about the love birds’ pending nuptials.
And let me tell you, the people I spoke to in and around the Crossroads arts district were mostly supportive of Kelce and Swift making it official. Others not so much, but they still wish the power couple well.
Swift announced she was engaged to Kelce on Instagram and the news spread like wildfire — everyone from celebrities to politicians to everyday citizens seemingly weighed in. The couple had dated for about two years before Kelce, a tight end for the Chiefs, popped the question.
“Finally bro, damn,” Ozzie Field, a 26-year-old native of San Diego, said. Field said he moved here recently to be close to his girlfriend, Aliya Horton, 21, of Kansas City.
“I moved here for love,” he said.
Later Field turned to Horton, pulled her close and kissed her. I did not know how this knight in shining armor moment unfolded right in front of me, but it was pretty cool to witness.
Love is a powerful thing, I thought.
But back to Kelce and Swift, Tuesday’s hottest news topic of the day. Horton said she was unaware of the announcement until I stopped her and Field to get their take.
“That’s actually really insane.” she said.
Field then interjected.
“It’s about time he put a ring on her finger,” he said.
Horton said Swift and Kelce’s love story has been a positive development for the region — and she’s right. Swift has been good for Kansas City, having made financial contributions to nonprofits here and being a mainstay at Chiefs games. Kelce, a popular and talented football player, is a star in his own right. He is considered a future Hall of Fame player, has hosted “Saturday Night Live,” is a podcaster, and should have a bright future in the entertainment business.
“They’ve been together for a while and they are super mega famous so I think this is really good for us,” Horton said.
More than Tay Tay-Trav PR stunt
I’d be the first to admit I thought the Kelce-Swift relationship was a PR stunt when she first started attending Chiefs’ games in 2023. Over time, my feelings have changed. The pivotal moment for me came when I saw video footage of Swift running into Kelce’s arms and kissing him after one of her performances overseas.
I was sold. These young people actually like each other. Now it’s official. Kelce and Swift are seemingly in love.
On Tuesday, another couple I spoke with were equally ecstatic about recent developments in this blossoming romance.
Malcolm Cole, 28, of Kansas City, and Harley Guenther, 24, of Overland Park, agreed with me when I told them the love bug was spreading throughout the city.
“Yes it is,” Cole said.
Guenther said she broke the news of the engagement to Cole.
“What was the first thing I said to you this morning?” she said to Cole.
“She said, ‘Oh my God,’” Cole said. Before he could complete his thought, Guenther finished the sentence.
“They’re engaged,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting it,” Guenther continued.
Cole congratulated Swift and Kelce on their engagement and wished them well. He referred to Swift by the nickname Kelce said he gave her — Tay Tay.
“Let me start off by saying congratulations to the homie Tay Tay,” he said. “To the homie, Trav. It’s like I grew up with these people, you know?”
Cole and Guenther said they considered Swift a Kansas Citian now.
“We love to see someone that wasn’t from here… find some love,” Cole said.
Guenther added: “She’s part of the family now.”
‘They’re lucky I care about it’
Not every couple I spoke to were as enthusiastic about Kelce and Swift as others, but that is OK. Kansas City is not a monolith. The city is as diverse as its people and we all have different lived and learned experiences.
But love is a universal language. And while the last couple I interviewed told me that they were just in the dating phase, they still took the time to weigh in on this trending topic.
The pair, Alexandria Knight and Jim Mack of Kansas City, said they hardly listen to Swift’s music and were unaware of her engagement to Kelce.
“They’re lucky I care about it and even know who they are is what I think,” Knight, 27, said when asked about the announcement.
Knight was a good sport, though. She laughed out loud after her answer.
She said she’s a fan of electronic dance music. “My music doesn’t have words, so you know, rave culture. But good for them.”
Mack, 34, said of the couple, “It blows my mind,” before he and Knight continued on their way.
I couldn’t help but think those two were made for each other, I thought. And I am rooting for them and the others just as hard as I am for Kelce and Swift to make their relationships last.
Love is contagious, isn’t it?
This story was originally published August 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM.
