Taylor Swift has garnered a staunch supporter in Andy Reid. Just weeks after the 35-year-old singer faced booing from some Super Bowl LIX attendees when her image flashed across the jumbotron during the championship game, the 66-year-old head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs came to her defense in a recent interview.
While speaking to Mike Florio and Chris Simms at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, broadcast on NFL on NBC, Reid mentioned Swift and praised her poise. Prompted if he had "anything else" to share about the singer, Reid responded, "She's a gem. She tackled that awkward moment with grace; it's not an easy feat. But she handled it with remarkable finesse." (Previously, at last year's NFL Combine, Reid had recounted to the same hosts about Swift's homemade pastries, a tale that swiftly went viral.)
"Kelce, I think, also navigates this with great maturity. She's an integral part of the team, much like the other girlfriends and wives; they're all an essential part of our community," Reid added.
On Sunday, February 9, 2025, Swift was in attendance at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, cheering on her beau, 35-year-old Travis Kelce. Unfortunately, the Chiefs succumbed to the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 40-22.
Swift first made an appearance at a Chiefs game when they squared off against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium in September 2023. Speaking to PEOPLE in December 2023, Reid shared, "I'm a huge fan, so I'm thrilled she was here, and I hope she had a fantastic time. She's dating a wonderful guy, so I'm overjoyed for both of them."
Throughout her Eras Tour, Swift made it a point to attend Chiefs games on her off days, while Kelce returned the gesture by catching various shows of hers. In her Time's 2023 Person of the Year profile, Swift emphasized her unwavering support for Kelce.
"When you say a relationship is public, it means I'm there to witness him pursue his passions, we stand by each other's sides amidst the crowds, oblivious to the onlookers," she said. "The alternative would be going to great lengths to conceal our relationship. We're simply proud of each other," Swift continued.
Regarding Kelce's future with the team, Reid revealed that they frequently discuss it. "I advised him, 'Don't dwell on it,'" Reid elaborated. "Just take it easy, man. Relax. We have ample time to address that."
