Kelly Stafford—who is married to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Michael Stafford—shared why she grew “tired” of the NFL’s coverage of Taylor Swift last season, saying it was “outshining the games.”
Kelly Stafford has some bad blood with the NFL.
The 34-year-old—who is married to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford—shared that she felt like the football league overdid its coverage of Taylor Swift last year after the singer started attending Kansas City Chiefs games to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
“Now, I have never once said I didn’t like Taylor Swift—ever,” Kelly said during an Oct. 31 episode of her The Morning After podcast. “But I will say I kind of got tired of the Chiefs’ coverage of it—actually the NFL’s coverage—of this budding relationship last year.”
And Kelly doesn’t place any blame on Taylor for how much she was shown on TV. As she put simply, “Can she do anything about that? No, she can’t.”
In fact, Kelly also said she understands why the NFL was so interested in stories about the “Cruel Summer” singer, who debuted her romance with Travis when she stepped out for his Kansas City game back in September 2023.
“It was a good business decision for the NFL,” she admitted, “but I almost felt like it was outshining the games. And that’s what bothered me. I was a little jealous of the fact that they were getting all this attention and all of a sudden the football game was the sideshow. So yeah, maybe I let jealousy get the best of me.”
If it were up to Kelly, all the players would get their moment to shine—especially her husband, with whom she shares kids Sawyer and Chandler, both 7, Hunter, 6, and Tyler, 4.
Instagram / Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images“I watched my husband work his ass off and all of these guys who work for the league work their asses off,” she said, “and all of a sudden they’re like the sideshow.”
Of course, Kelly isn’t the only person who thinks the intense focus on Taylor at football games is a little silly. After all, the Grammy winner herself has shared that she’s only there “to support Travis” and does her best to shake off any extra attention.
As Taylor explained to Time in December 2023, “I have no awareness of if I’m being shown too much and pissing off a few dads, Brads, and Chads.”
Still not tired of seeing Taylor cheer on Travis and his Kansas City Chiefs? Read on to revisit some of her best game day looks…
Cooper Neill/Getty ImagesNFL Debut
While supporting Travis Kelce as the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 24, 2023, her first-ever NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium, Taylor Swift sported DÔEN’s white Lois Tank and Ksubi’s distressed denim shorts, which she paired with a Chiefs windbreaker and matching New Balance sneakers.
Elsa/Getty ImagesWelcome to New Jersey
For the Chiefs’ Oct. 1, 2023 game against the New York Jets, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Taylor wore Area’s denim shorts, which quickly sold out. The singer completed the look with Christian Louboutin boots and Gant’s relaxed leather shirt.
Elsa/Getty ImagesClassic Swift
And Taylor couldn’t forget her signature red lip for the star-studded game.
Jamie Squire / Getty ImagesErin Andrews Assist
For the Chiefs’ Oct. 12, 2023 game, where she spent time with Travis’ dad Ed Kelce, Taylor wore a Chiefs jacket from WEAR, a line by Erin Andrews (who Travis has credited for connecting him with Taylor).
Perry Knotts/Getty ImagesSuite Style
David Eulitt / Jamie Squire / Getty ImagesShe’s Got His Number
Taylor had an extra special accessory on her wrist for the Chiefs’ Oct. 22, 2023 game: An Erimish bracelet with Travis’ jersey number on it.
Are You Ready For It?
…we can’t calm down.
Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesRed Hot
On Dec. 3, 2023, Taylor sported a long red fleece jacket over a black high neck top, paired with her signature red lip.
Todd Rosenberg/Getty ImagesCrimson Chic
The singer was all smiles as she watched the game with Brittany.
Kirby Lee/Getty ImagesChristmas Cheer
In honor of Christmas, Taylor donned a Santa hat with Travis’ jersey number during the Chiefs’ Dec. 25, 2023 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesNew Year’s Eve Varsity Style
For her ninth Chiefs game on Dec. 31, 2023, Taylor sported a cream varsity jacket bearing the team’s logo and a patch that read “Tay-Tay.”
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesGame No. 10
During a January 2024 freezing Kansas City Chiefs-Miami Dolphins game in Kansas City, Mo., Taylor cheered on her boyfriend and his team while wearing a custom-made puffer coat made to look like a Kelce Chiefs jersey, designed by Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesCozy Couple
The Grammy winner looked comfy and cozy in her Guest in Residence sweater as she snuggled up to Travis following the Chiefs’ AFC Championship win on Jan. 28, 2023.
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesSuper Bowl Stunner
Taylor wore a black Dion Lee crochet corset and AREA crystal-slit jeans to the 2024 Super Bowl, where she watched Travis and the Chiefs beat out the San Francisco 49ers in a 25-22 game.
Denim Darling
For the Chiefs’ first home game since their Super Bowl win, Taylor rocked a with a Versace denim corset top, GRLFRND jean shorts from Revolve and thigh-high red latex boots. She completed the look with a Louis Vuitton handbag.
Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesGo Big or Go Home
Taylor wore an oversized tee as a dress with thigh-high boots during the Chiefs’ Sept. 15, 2024 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
David Eulitt/Getty ImagesPlaying With Plaid
On Oct. 7, 2024, Taylor stepped out to Chiefs’ home game against the New Orleans Saints in a black-and-white plaid set from Vivienne Westwood and knee-high platform boots.
