Since its debut in September 2022, the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, has become a popular platform for a variety of high-profile guests. Among the notable figures who have graced the show are Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, coach Andy Reid, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. This week, the podcast is set to reach new heights with the addition of singer/songwriter Taylor Swift.
The crossover between the Kelce brothers and Swift has been eagerly awaited by fans who follow the intertwining worlds of sports and pop culture. On Monday, “New Heights” teased Swift's appearance with a 13-second clip, confirming her as the special guest for the week. Additionally, the podcast's social media account made headlines at 12:12 a.m. on August 12, announcing Swift’s upcoming 12th studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl."
The well-documented relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift exemplifies the growing overlap between sports and entertainment. Swift has often been seen at Chiefs games, and Kelce is not just a football player; he has ventured into the entertainment industry with his podcast and a cameo as a waiter in Netflix’s "Happy Gilmore 2," released in July.
Kelce and Swift's connection began when he attended her Eras Tour show at Arrowhead Stadium in July 2023. During an episode of his podcast, he revealed his intention to gift Swift a friendship bracelet containing his phone number. Following a few months of speculation, Swift made her first appearance at a Chiefs game in September of that year, marking the start of their public relationship.
Since their initial link, the couple has embraced their shared fame. Kelce danced onstage at one of Swift’s concerts in London, while Swift surprised attendees with an impromptu performance at Kelce’s “Tight End University” event in June. Recently, Kelce shared a personal photo dump on Instagram, showcasing moments with his girlfriend, further blending their public and private lives.
Interestingly, a poll conducted by The Athletic revealed that a significant majority of NFL players view Swift’s presence at Chiefs games positively. Among the 102 players surveyed, 72.5% reported that her attendance was beneficial for the league, while only 4.9% considered it negative, and the remaining players expressed neutrality.
Swift's entry into the NFL world has led to remarkable engagement growth, with the league experiencing triple-digit increases in social media consumption. According to Ian Trombetta, NFL's senior vice president of social and influencer marketing, this surge is part of the NFL's ongoing effort to attract a younger and more diverse audience.
In a September cover story with GQ, Travis Kelce discussed both football and his relationship with Swift. He shared insights on how they navigate the pressures of public life, expressing admiration for Swift’s work ethic and her evolving passion for football. “I sort of made her a football fan,” he remarked. “She is the most engulfed fan now. She knows what the injury reports look like, understands special situations, and all these things because she just naturally loves to hear about my job.”
The highly anticipated episode of “New Heights” featuring Taylor Swift is set to air on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. This appearance is particularly noteworthy, as Swift has largely avoided podcast interviews in recent years, with her last appearance being on “The Zane Lowe Interview Series” in 2020 after winning Apple Music’s Songwriter of the Year.
This episode promises to be a unique intersection of music and sports, offering fans of both Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift an exciting glimpse into their lives and careers.
