Years after joining the 2017 national anthem protests, Travis Kelce again drew attention—this time for his “body language rather than protest.” Before the Chiefs–Commanders game on October 27, 2025, cameras showed him with his hand on his heart, lightly bouncing during the anthem. The clip went viral, sparking debate between those who found it “disrespectful” and others who saw it as harmless pre-game energy.

Once the game began, the focus shifted to performance. With Taylor Swift cheering from the stands, Kelce had one of his best games: six receptions, 99 yards, and a touchdown tying “Priest Holmes’ franchise record.” Patrick Mahomes threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns as Kansas City won 28–7, improving to 5–3.

For many, the viral moment recalled 2017, when Kelce was “among the few white NFL players to kneel in solidarity with the movement started by Colin Kaepernick.”

Off the field, his engagement to Taylor Swift stole headlines. On August 26, 2025, Swift shared an Instagram post showing Kelce “kneeling in a garden he’d built behind his house.”

Even former President Donald Trump congratulated the couple, creating an “unexpected goodwill moment.” Kelce continues to embody where sports, symbolism, and fame collide.