The “You Belong With Me” singer and her NFL star boyfriend’s love story keeps unfolding on and off the field. After the Chiefs’ AFC Championship win, their affectionate celebration offered a glimpse into their deepening bond through body language analysis.
After more than a year together, Taylor Swift has become a familiar presence at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs games. However, following the Chiefs’ victory in the AFC Championship on Sunday, January 26, the couple took their public support to the next level with an affectionate on-field appearance, securing their spot in a third consecutive Super Bowl.
Taylor Swift celebrates with Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs after defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
As confetti fell around them, the 14-time Grammy winner and the star tight end shared intimate moments—hugging, kissing, and embracing in celebration.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift share a hug at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
For those curious about the state of their relationship, body language expert Patti Wood analyzed their interactions, revealing key insights into their connection and what it may indicate for their future.
Taylor Swift embraces tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs following the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
When Swift and Kelce kissed, their expressions radiated joy. “You can see that the musculature of their faces is lifted in happiness,” Wood explained. “They’re both very happy as they kiss.”
Taylor Swift kisses Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs after defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
Swift’s gentle hold on Kelce’s face suggests a strong sense of ease and affection. The couple’s height difference, which could be an obstacle for some, appears effortless for them. “It’s clear from this photo they’ve been kissing a while—they’ve figured out the height difference,” Wood observed.
Compared to last year’s Super Bowl, where Swift seemed to keep some aspects of their affection private, Wood noted a noticeable shift in their dynamic. Now, the star pair has “familiarity and ease” when they’re together on the field.
Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after the AFC Championship football game against the Buffalo Bills, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
“Both of their faces are relaxed and happy,” expressed Wood. “There’s a serenity around one another.” Kelce’s arm draped around Swift in a “very relaxed” way, which means their cuddle is “in no way controlling.”
Meanwhile, Swift nestled into him comfortably. According to Wood, the “Blank Space” singer was “cradled into him, but not crushed.”
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift are seen embracing each other at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
On the whole, the duo appeared “super comfortable,” enjoying each other’s company. “There’s this crowd around them, but it’s just about them,” Wood added.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift celebrate a win against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
When the couple first reunited on the field, their embrace appeared to have a performative element, as is common in high-profile moments.
However, Wood pointed out a key detail. “His head is really down and close to her face,” signaling genuine affection. Swift in response, wrapped one hand up around him and another lower, demonstrating not only comfort but a desire for even greater closeness.
Taylor Swift embraces tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs following the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
According to Wood, there’s a clear sense of ease between the two. “Before, it was all excitement, but this is just relaxed,” she said. “It’s nice to see her relaxed into this comfort of him.”
Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after the AFC Championship football game against the Buffalo Bills, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
Patti Wood, an expert in nonverbal communication, has been featured on major media outlets, including “The Today Show,” CNN, FOX News, “Good Morning America,” and The History Channel. She has also contributed insights to publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, People, and Psychology Today.
Recognized by The Washington Post as “the gold standard of body language experts,” Wood holds a BA and MA in Body Language and Nonverbal Communication and has authored seven books, including “SNAP – Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma.”
The Kansas City Chiefs, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles, are officially heading to Super Bowl LIX. The highly anticipated game will take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m. ET, as reported by ESPN. This marks another milestone for the Chiefs, reinforcing their dominance in the league.
During a recent appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Kelce opened up about his relationship with Swift and how her support positively impacts his career. “I think personally, that’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship—you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you,” Kelce shared.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs are pictured at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
He emphasized how being in a stable relationship allows him to remain focused on his game. “I think I’m as focused as I’ve ever been on my job and being the best player that I could possibly be, week in, week out. It’s because I don’t have to worry about things off the field.”
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
When asked whether Swift encouraged him to continue playing or consider retirement, Kelce made it clear that she supports his passion. “She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game. She loves coming to Arrowhead and coming to the games and cheering for me, so I got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams.”
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift celebrate a win against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
Swift’s influence extends beyond music, as evidenced by her selection as TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year. While discussing her presence at Chiefs games in December 2023, she playfully acknowledged the newfound appreciation for football among her fans. “Football is awesome, it turns out,” she joked.
Taylor Swift in a suite ringing a bell during the first half of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders on December 25, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
Swift admitted that the media attention surrounding her attendance at games caught her off guard. “I don’t know how they know what suite I’m in. There’s a camera, like, a half-mile away, and you don’t know where it is, and you have no idea when the camera is putting you in the broadcast.”
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have dinner at Waverly Inn on October 15, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Despite the heightened attention, the songstress remains focused on supporting her boyfriend. “I’m just there to support Travis,” she explained. Addressing criticism over the frequency of her on-screen appearances, she added, “I have no awareness of if I’m being shown too much and pissing off a few dads, Brads, and Chads.”
Taylor Swift celebrates with Travis Kelce after defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
When it comes to navigating their high-profile relationship, Swift takes a refreshingly open approach. “When you say a relationship is public, that means I’m going to see him do what he loves, we’re showing up for each other, other people are there, and we don’t care,” she said.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs are pictured on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
She contrasted this with the extreme measures required to maintain privacy in past relationships, stating, “The opposite of that is you have to go to an extreme amount of effort to make sure no one knows that you’re seeing someone. And we’re just proud of each other.”
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after a 17-10 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland | Source: Getty Images
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship is marked by mutual support, comfort, and admiration. As Kelce heads to the Super Bowl, Swift remains a steadfast presence by his side.