Taylor Swift's Eras Tour continues to captivate audiences not only with its musical prowess but also with subtle nods to her personal life, particularly her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. During her recent concert on October 25 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the 34-year-old pop icon delighted fans by incorporating a football-themed gesture into her performance of "Midnight Rain."
As Swift sang the lines, "And he never thinks of me except when I'm on TV," she brought her hand to her forehead, mimicking someone searching the distance, and then pantomimed throwing a football. The crowd at the Caesars Superdome erupted in cheers, recognizing the playful tribute to Kelce, a Super Bowl-winning tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Footage of the moment quickly circulated on social media platforms, sparking analysis and excitement among fans. Many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to discuss Swift's form and speculate on the deeper meaning behind the gesture. One fan tagged Kelce's brother, Jason Kelce-himself a former Philadelphia Eagles player-and their podcast "New Heights," asking, "Is this proper football form?" While awaiting an official response from the Kelce brothers, fans offered their own humorous critiques. "Oh absolutely not unless she's throwing a tiny football," quipped one user, while another added, "It would be a really bad throw."
This isn't the first time Swift has incorporated references to Kelce during her performances. At previous concerts in Dublin and London earlier this year, she mimicked Kelce's iconic bow-and-arrow touchdown celebration during the same part of "Midnight Rain." Additionally, during a show in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Swift altered the lyrics of her song "Karma," singing, "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me," instead of the original, "Karma is the guy on the screen, coming straight home to me."
Swift and Kelce, 35, have been in a relationship since the summer of 2023. In that time, Swift has become a familiar face at many of his NFL games, often seen cheering enthusiastically from the stands. "Football is awesome, it turns out," Swift remarked in her 2023 TIME Person of the Year profile. "I've been missing out my whole life."
Her interest in the sport goes beyond mere fandom. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes noted in an August interview with NBC, "She's the most famous person in the world, and then she's really interested in football. She asked a lot of great questions. She's already drawing up plays." Kelce humorously added during an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," "If they ever do [reach Coach Andy Reid], I'll make sure everyone knows it was her creation. She's a little biased and just creates plays for me, so we'll see if they can make it to Coach Reid's office."
Fans have also speculated that Swift's football gesture in New Orleans holds special significance due to the venue's connection to the NFL. "This is the stadium where the Super Bowl will take place," one fan wrote on X. "She literally just sealed the Chiefs' win with that Tayvoodoo in NOLA." Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for February 9, 2025, at the New Orleans Saints' Caesars Superdome. The Chiefs, as defending champions, are aiming for their third consecutive Lombardi Trophy.
Swift's attention to detail in her performances is well-documented, often weaving personal narratives and Easter eggs into her shows. Kelce praised her meticulous nature, saying, "I think what makes her so good at her profession is that she's so detailed in every aspect of it-from the words to the music to, you know, even the releases and the music videos and everything. She's so detailed and a part of it that I think she was just curious about the profession."
While Swift hasn't officially confirmed that her "Midnight Rain" gestures are direct tributes to Kelce, the consistent timing and nature of these moments have fans convinced. Other tributes during the song have included mimicking touchdown dances and mouthing the word "touchdown."
The interplay between Swift's personal life and her artistry adds an extra layer of engagement for her audience. As the Eras Tour progresses, fans eagerly anticipate what subtle hints or gestures she might include next. The blend of music, personal anecdotes, and interactive performances keeps concertgoers and fans worldwide enthralled.
Swift's relationship with Kelce has also brought attention to the NFL from her massive fan base. "She's bridging the gap between pop culture and sports in a unique way," commented a fan on social media. "It's exciting to see two worlds collide."
As both Swift and Kelce continue to excel in their respective fields, their supportive gestures toward each other resonate with fans. Whether it's attending games or incorporating football moves into performances, the couple's public displays of affection have become a highlight for many.
With the Chiefs aiming for another Super Bowl victory and Swift's tour set to continue, fans can look forward to more moments where music and sports intersect. As one fan aptly put it on social media, "Taylor's not just a superstar on stage; she's becoming a star in the football world too."
