KANSAS CITY, MO – As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the upcoming NFL season, tight end Travis Kelce has found himself at the center of social media discussions following his recent wedding to pop superstar Taylor Swift. Upon returning to training camp, fans and commentators quickly noted not only the new wedding ring on his finger but also speculated about his physical appearance, suggesting he may have developed a 'dad bod.' Kelce has since addressed these comments, reflecting on the nature of social media and body image.
In a candid moment on the New Heights Podcast, Kelce expressed amusement at the body shaming remarks that surfaced after a clip of him went viral. "That s— was so f—ing funny, reading some of these comments on that clip going viral and then, obviously, the fat-shaming and saying that I got a dad body," he stated. He further added, "It’s all social media just having fun. And I even laugh at this s—. I mean, it’s f—ing pure comedy." Kelce also noted that he has come into training camp in better shape compared to previous years, dismissing the notion that he has significantly gained weight.
Support for Kelce has emerged from various corners, including former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who attributed the perception of Kelce's weight to "bad camera angles." Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also came to Kelce's defense, stating, "Well, he came back in good shape. I know everybody’s out there saying he’s got the dad body and all this stuff. But he looks the same to me that he’s always looked. And he’s playing like crazy." Reid emphasized that Kelce has maintained his fitness throughout the offseason, even joking that the dancing at his wedding contributed to his conditioning.
This isn't the first time Kelce has faced scrutiny regarding his physique. In 2024, after a vacation in the Bahamas, he similarly dealt with comments about his body when images of him circulated online. At that time, he took the criticism in stride, humorously acknowledging that he and his brother Jason were in the same weight class. Kelce's ability to laugh off such comments reflects a broader trend among professional athletes, who often experience fluctuations in weight during the offseason as they take time to recuperate and enjoy life away from the field.
Despite the chatter, those who attended the Chiefs' training camp have shared footage showing Kelce looking fit and ready for the upcoming season. As he enters his 14th year in the NFL, many speculate that this could be his final season. Kelce, now 37, has expressed a strong desire to continue competing, especially after a disappointing season for the Chiefs.
In an interview with Vogue, he remarked, "Every year there’s a chance to do something special – but especially coming into this year, getting Pat [Mahomes] back and wiping the slate clean. I love coming to the building every day. I know how special this team is, so I’m excited to get this thing rolling and for the chance to give the fans what they deserve." With the Chiefs set to face the Denver Broncos on September 14, 2026, Kelce's focus remains on performing at his best and contributing to his team's success.
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