How Travis Kelce made Chiefs history with Taylor Swift in attendance vs. Commanders

David Suggs

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How Travis Kelce made Chiefs history with Taylor Swift in attendance vs. Commanders image

Travis Kelce has tended to find a home on "Monday Night Football" throughout his career.

The Kansas City Chiefs star has long-been considered a big-game player. And few occasions are as notable -- at least during the regular season -- as the ESPN-aired spectacle.

The 2025 season has been a bit of an adventure for Kelce, who looked worse for the wear during Kansas City's winless start. But as of late, he's looked more like the player of old.

After being held to the less than 50 yards in three of the Chiefs' first four games, Kelce hit the half-century mark in each of his last three matches.

During the Chiefs' Week 8 fixture with the Washington Commanders — and with fiancee Taylor Swift in attendance — Kelce continued his resurgence, reaching new heights in the process.

Here's what you need to know.

MORE: The story behind Travis Kelce wearing No. 87

Travis Kelce makes history with TD No. 83

Kelce erupted for seven grabs in the first three quarters vs. Washington, tying his season-high total. He tallied 99 yards, bolstered by two lengthy grabs — one in the second quarter, another in the third. And he found pay dirt, hanging onto an unruly Patrick Mahomes effort through contact to double Kansas City's advantage.

His score proved historic; the touchdown was Kelce's 83rd in Chiefs colors, pulling him into a tie for first-place on Kansas City's all-time TD list with Priest Holmes.

Kelce did all of that after falling victim to an uncharacteristic drop that fell into Bobby Wagner's hands in the first quarter. Things threatened to unravel for the Chiefs and their highly-regarded tight end. However, he recovered to post his best performance of the season.

Travis Kelce stats since 'The Life of a Showgirl' release

Kelce's performances have been on an upturn since Swift's latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl", came out. Here's a look at his numbers after Swift's album came out:

OpponentTargetsReceptionsYardsYPCTDs
Jaguars87618.71
Lions767813.00
Raiders335418.00
Commanders869916.51

And here's a look at his numbers before the tape was released:

OpponentTargetsReceptionsYardsYPCTDs
Chargers424723.51
Eagles646115.30
Giants74266.50
Ravens55489.60

Is Swift to credit for Kelce's success as of late? Who knows. You can never let facts get in the way of a good story, though.

Travis Kelce stats with Taylor Swift in attendance 2025

Kelce has been at his best when his beau has been in attendance. Although Swift has kept her attendance at games under wraps for much of the year, she is believed to have taken to the stands for each of the Chiefs' home games, per USA Today's Bryan West.

Indeed, Swift was at Arrowhead Stadium during Kansas City's rout vs. Washington. Unsurprisingly, Kelce made his mark.

With that, here's a look at Kelce's numbers in games Swift has reportedly attended this year.

WeekOpponentTargetsReceptionsYardsYPCTDs
1Chargers424723.51
4Ravens55489.60
6Lions767813.00
7Raiders335418.00
8Commanders869916.51

Most TDs in Chiefs history

Kelce and Holmes lead the list of most prolific players in Kansas City history. Here's a look at who else joins them in the top-10.

RankPlayerTouchdownsGames PlayedYears
1Travis Kelce831832015-present
 Priest Holmes82652001-2005
3Tony Gonzalez761901997-2008
4Tyreek Hill67912016-2021
5Jamaal Charles641032008-2016
6Larry Johnson61752003-2009
7Otis Taylor601301965-1975
8Abner Haynes58701960-1964
9Chris Burford551031960-1967
10Stephone Paige491251983-1991
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