For Pete's Sake

Pat McAfee feels ‘sense of pride’ about Travis Kelce taking stage with Taylor Swift

ESPN sports analyst Pat McAfee reacts during the third quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
ESPN sports analyst Pat McAfee reacts during the third quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. USA TODAY Sports

Former Colts punter Pat McAfee’s job these days is talking sports on his ESPN show.

But McAfee has also taken time to speak about other subjects and that includes superstar singer Taylor Swift. I’m not sure if McAfee is a Swiftie, but he’s definitely a fan and has shared his admiration for the Eras Tour singer.

McAfee also has had Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on his show multiple times, including a memorable appearance in September. That was when Kelce said Swift might show up at a Chiefs game, and two days later she was at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

When Kelce took the stage at Wembley Stadium on Sunday and performed briefly with Swift, McAfee shared his admiration.

“Once again…I can’t help but feel a phenomenal sense of pride,” McAfee wrote on X.

“None of the other bums Taylor has been with would ever be this prepared and poised in front of 90,000 people while wearing that costume..

“A football man proving to the world that chivalry is not dead.. and you’re allowed to be pumped to support your partner..”

Praising Kelce on Monday

McAfee brought up the performance Monday on his show and again praised Kelce.

“Travis Kelce, killing it,” McAfee said. “Poised, Prepared. Strong. Filled with moxie and also willing to do whatever to support his partner, Taylor Swift. Once again, I can’t reiterate this enough. A football guy has gone into this pop culture world in showcased what can be. There’s a lot of songs I think she has sang that I’ve heard through my wife’s phone. ... A lot of (jerks) she’s been with.

“Not everybody but from the songs I’ve heard, there’s been certainly some feelings that have been brought to her via other dudes. Football guy going out there, performing catching her. She’s tired, let’s wake her back up. We still got a show did here in London for a 90,000 people motivating, inspiring and willing to wear that silly costume. I don’t care. You know, 90,000 people, what’s that? In Kansas City he’s got the entire Chiefs Kingdom, including bank robbers, watching him every single day. Showed up, showed out. We’re proud of you, Trav. Way to go!”

You can watch the clip here (be warned there is some cursing).

This story was originally published June 24, 2024 at 12:02 PM.

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Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
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