Kansas City Chiefs coach Dave Merritt provided championship insight on the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift relationship.

When it came to potential scrutiny over Taylor Swift’s relationship with the team, the Kansas City Chiefs were more than “Ready For It.”

e-scenes look at the acclaimed pop star’s relationship with the team, as the two met when Swift began dating similarly distinguished tight end Travis Kelce. Swift became a regular at Chiefs games after making her first public appearance in late September, and she was present during the team’s successful run to Super Bowl LVIII.

Merritt stated on The Sports Shop With Reese & Kmac that Swift’s presence fueled the Chiefs’ championship dreams even further. 

“Upon meeting her, I felt like she actually added to what it was that we were trying to do,” he said. “There were so many people that were hating the fact that she was being shown on TV, that you know what, you’re part of our family because you’re now with Travis, so, therefore, you’re our little sister or you’re whatever it may be, you’re part of the family.”

The NFL’s broadcast partners focused heavily on the Swift-Kelce storyline, and the constant panning to the singer in Arrowhead Stadium’s premium suites elicited strong reactions. Some were quick to declare Swift a distraction, particularly after Kansas City lost five of eight games between Halloween and Christmas. 

Merritt stated that Swift had been attending Chiefs games for a long time before making a public appearance at Arrowhead Stadium during the Chicago Bears’ Week 3 visit. Merrit asserted that the support increased as the examination increased.

“She was coming into the stadiums without people really knowing until the camera put the big spotlight on her,” Merritt told CBS News. “She had a positive impact on the team. Everyone was thrilled that Travis was pleased. So when my player, my brother, is pleased alongside me, that supports and inspires me.”

Taylor Swift performs on the opening night of the Eras Tour’s Cincinnati stop on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati.  

Kelce and the Chiefs will need a few years to catch up to Swift’s trophy case, which includes 14 Grammy Awards, but there is still a chance to make NFL history next season: if Kansas City wins Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, they will become the first franchise to win three consecutive Big Games.