Travis Kelce is once again proving to be Taylor Swift’s biggest fan, this time with a public display of affection following her surprise performance at his signature event. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end shared a sweet nickname for his superstar girlfriend while reacting to her appearance at the Tight End University concert in Nashville.
Swift took the stage unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 24, as part of the annual Tight End University (TEU) event. Co-founded by Kelce, along with fellow NFL star George Kittle and sportscaster Greg Olsen, TEU brings tight ends together for training, learning, and camaraderie. The event culminated in a concert at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl, featuring scheduled performers like Kane Brown, Chase Rice, Jordan Davis, and Sophia Scott.
However, the night held a major surprise. Taylor Swift made an impromptu appearance, joining Kane Brown on stage for a performance of her 2014 hit, “Shake It Off.” According to reports, the performance was completely unplanned, a spur-of-the-moment decision made on the spot. Swift reportedly borrowed a guitar and quickly jotted down chords just minutes before stepping out, delivering a memorable set without relying on in-ear monitors.
Swift dedicated the performance to the event’s attendees, telling the crowd, “We would like to dedicate this to our favorite players who are going to play… these are the tight ends.” She wowed the packed venue in a black, belted mini dress paired with matching boots and her signature red lipstick. Kelce himself was reportedly seen dancing backstage during her surprise set.
The following day, the NFL highlighted Swift’s performance by sharing photos on Instagram. Travis Kelce was quick to show his support, liking the post and leaving an enthusiastic comment.
“Turn me up Tay Tay!!” the 35-year-old NFL star wrote, publicly using the affectionate nickname for his girlfriend.
This isn’t the first time Kelce has used the “Tay Tay” moniker. He previously referred to Swift by the nickname during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show in September 2024, while reminiscing about joining her on stage during her Eras Tour stop in London in June.
The concert wasn’t the only moment Swift and Kelce shared during the TEU week in Nashville. On Monday, June 23, the couple was spotted attending a double date night at the Brooklyn Bowl with Swift’s childhood best friend, Abigail Anderson, and her husband, Charles Berard. Fan videos from later that evening also captured the couple slow dancing to a remix of “Shake It Off,” with Kelce singing along.
With her record-breaking Eras Tour having concluded in December 2024, Swift is reportedly looking forward to a significantly freer schedule. Sources indicate she plans to attend as many Kansas City Chiefs games as possible during the upcoming 2025 NFL season, ready to fully embrace her role as a fan after balancing her relationship with a demanding global tour schedule. Her sweet surprise performance at TEU and Kelce’s loving reaction offer a glimpse into their supportive dynamic as they head into the next chapter.
