“He can’t just follow Taylor Swift around” - Tyrann Mathieu on Travis Kelce’s retirement

Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu spoke recently about his former teammate Travis Kelce and his decision to hold off on retirement another season. Along with his insight into Kelce as a person, he also made a funny comment about the role his fiancé, Taylor Swift, may have in the decision.

Mathieu says Kelce “needs a job” because of Taylor Swift

Kelce had been the subject of retirement speculation after a disappointing season for the Chiefs, but he ultimately decided to return for another year. During a recent episode of his podcast In the Bayou, Mathieu discussed why he always believed Kelce would keep playing rather than step away from the NFL anytime soon.

Mathieu explained that for many players, retirement can be hardest when things aren’t going well, but Kelce is the type of competitor who would prefer to leave the game on his own terms.

“I’m not surprised at all,” Mathieu said. “It’s hard. The way I walked away from the game is not the way most competitors want to walk away from the game... I think for some guys, it means a lot to them to be able to walk away as a ‘winner’.”

But his explanation for why Kelce would keep playing also included a moment that caught fans’ attention. At one point in the conversation, Mathieu joked that Kelce probably wouldn’t want to retire and simply follow Swift around during her busy schedule.

“And his wife always busy! He gotta find some s*** to do,” Mathieu joked. “Definitely can’t just trail her the rest of his life. He gotta still act like he got a job.”

The comment drew laughs on the podcast and quickly started circulating among fans online. Swift, one of the biggest pop stars in the world, has maintained a relentless touring and recording schedule in recent years, something Kelce himself has praised as inspiring.

Kelce has previously said watching Swift’s dedication to her craft helped motivate him to continue pursuing his own career at the highest level.

Kelce ultimately confirmed he will return to Kansas City for his 14th NFL season, ending months of speculation about whether he might retire. The 36-year-old tight end remains one of the most accomplished players of his generation, winning three Super Bowls with the Chiefs and becoming one of the most productive receiving tight ends in league history.

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