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Olivia Rodrigo debuts beau at Grammys, Taylor Swift jams to Charli XCX: What you didn’t see on TV

LOS ANGELES — Under a layer of smog that served as a reminder of last month’s deadly wildfires, the 2025 Grammy Awards aimed to be a beacon for a city that is reeling from the historic destruction.

Inside downtown LA’s Crypto.com Arena Sunday night, Kendrick Lamar achieved a sweep with his Drake diss track, Beyoncé finally snagged the elusive album of the year award, and Taylor Swift danced the night away despite experiencing a rare shutout from the Recording Academy. This all in between mournful and reflective moments that punctuated the telecast’s fundraising for wildfire relief efforts.

USA TODAY had all the details of the 2025 Grammys, from the red carpet to inside the show and also backstage. These were the best moments we caught that didn’t make it to air.

Olivia Rodrigo and Louis Partridge make their award show debut

Louis Partridge and Olivia Rodrigo attend the 67th annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Olivia Rodrigo might be best known for biting and catchy breakup songs like “Vampire” and “Drivers License,” but she looked completely loved up at the Grammys. Nominated for her “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” song “Can’t Catch Me Now,” the 21-year-old sat at a table stage right with “Enola Holmes” actor Louis Partridge.

The lovebirds were often leaning toward each other in their seats, and during one of the night’s performances the 2021 best new artist winner held Partridge’s hand as it was wrapped around her bare hip.

After crossing the floor and speaking at length with Gracie Abrams and her friend/collaborator Audrey Hobert — with Abrams and Rodrigo chatting up a storm while Hobert and Partridge kept each other company — the couple dashed hand-in-hand back to their seats at the end of a commercial break.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé hold court

Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars pose together at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.© Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

After they arrived right in time for Beyoncé’s best country album win, the Carters’ table became one of the most popular stops for friends, colleagues and schmoozers seated in the VIP floor section.

For the record, though, Beyoncé was absent from the telecast for at least an hour after collecting her trophy from Swift and only glided across the floor to retake her throne when the Quincy Jones tribute was underway. (During which, by the way, Swift — and her glass of white wine — made a rare cross-floor journey to whisper like schoolchildren with “Us” collaborator Abrams.)

During his wife’s absence, Jay-Z (who is now embroiled in a sexual assault lawsuit) greeted the likes of Will Smith, his children Willow and Jaden Smith, Dr. Dre, Queen Latifah and best new artist hopefuls Doechii and Shaboozey. His and Beyoncé’s 13-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, mostly seemed to keep to herself, with the exception of one lengthy conversation with an A-lister.

©Kevin Winter, Getty Images for The Recording A

Beyoncé, accompanied onstage by her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, accepts album of the year for “Cowboy Carter.”

Taylor Swift greets Jay-Z, gets deep in conversation with daughter Blue Ivy

After Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars delivered their tribute to LA with a cover of “California Dreamin’,” Swift exchanged some words with Jay-Z at a neighboring table. When the show cut to commercial break, she sauntered over to Blue Ivy for a conversation that lasted at least five minutes.

At one point, Abrams and Hobert journeyed from their stage left section and joined the conversation. Swift also cupped her hand around her mouth and whispered into Blue Ivy’s ear to share what might have been either a private comment or a statement that couldn’t be heard over the noise.

Jack Antonoff snaps pics of Taylor Swift, wife Margaret Qualley on his digital camera

Bleachers singer and hit music producer Jack Antonoff might not have taken home any wins for himself, but he likely captured some gold with the palm-sized camera he occasionally whipped out to photograph candid moments.

Lucky for him, hardly a performance goes by at any Grammys show without some dancing from his friend, longtime collaborator and tablemate Swift.

With an Electric Lady Studios tote bag slung behind his chair, Antonoff stood to photograph Swift and his wife Margaret Qualley dancing to Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” with Swift twirling “The Substance” actress and swooshing her dress around. Later, Antonoff emitted a flash as he snapped a picture of Swift dancing along to The Weeknd’s surprise set.

St. Vincent reveals she’s married and welcomed a daughter: ‘We kept it under wraps’

St. Vincent poses with her trophies for best rock song, best alternative music performance and best alternative music album during the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2025.© Mike Blake, REUTERS

Before taking the stage for an ensemble performance of “I Love L.A.,” St. Vincent made a splash during the Premiere Ceremony by not only winning three Grammys (best rock song, best alternative music performance and best alternative music album) but also dropping some shocking personal updates during acceptance speeches. Not only did the 42 year old thank “my beautiful wife Leia” from the stage of the pre-telecast ceremony but also the couple’s “beautiful daughter.”

Backstage, she confirmed the baby news. “We kept it under wraps,” she said, adding, “She’s young. The baby, not the wife.”

If the acclaimed guitarist was short on details, it might be due to bigger issues such as holding all three Grammys at once. “These are getting heavy, if I’m honest,” St. Vincent said. “I feel like my delts are on fire.”

Doechii wanted to ‘prove herself’ with her feat of a performance

Doechii performs onstage during the 67th annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.© Kevin Mazur, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Following her electrifying performance of “Catfish” and “Denial is a River,” Doechii chatted backstage about her landmark win for best rap album.

“It feels incredible. It feels bigger than me, a movement. Art wins. Authenticity wins. Vulnerability wins,” she told reporters.

Of her standout medley performance that involved a treadmill and tear-away costume, Doechii said it was one of the most difficult ones she’s ever done, but felt the need to push herself: “It meant everything to prove myself tonight. It was about Broadway and dance and theater and art, and I think I brought that to the stage.”

Taylor Swift twirls with Alicia Keys’ son, jams out to Charli XCX

Swift got creative with some of her dancing throughout the night. As Shakira got the crowd on their feet with “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Swift jumped up and down with 10-year-old Genesis Ali Dean, Alicia Keys’ son, and had him give her a twirl.

Later, Swift put the nail in the coffin of rumors of bad blood with Charli XCX, who was suspected of making a dig at Swift in “Sympathy is a knife.” As the “Brat” hitmaker performed “Von dutch” and made it rain undergarments in “Guess,” Swift was in her nightclub best, donning what seemed to be Antonoff’s thick, black-rimmed glasses and bopping around with a gold bottle of booze in hand.

After the set, which featured Swift’s rumored ex Matty Healy’s current fiancée Gabbriette Bechtel, the popstar poured the rest of the bottle into a neighbor’s outstretched wine glass.

SZA plays coy about Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show

SZA presents the best pop duo/group performance trophy during the 67th annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.© Kevin Winter, Getty Images for The Recording Academy

SZA skipped the Grammys red carpet and slid into the awards show after winning her Grammy for best R&B song “Saturn” in the pre-broadcast ceremony.

The “All the Stars” singer kept her low-key streak going backstage, declining to give any details about her upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance alongside headliner Kendrick  Lamar.

“That’s King Kendrick’s performance. All I’ll say is, he’s working really hard at it,” she said.

After losing homes to wildfires, Dawes opens the show as Grammys first-timer

Brittany Howard, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Brad Paisley and John Legend perform “I Love L.A.” during the 67th annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes had never attended the Grammys in the band’s 15-plus-year history, but the brothers have found themselves as real-world examples of how the region’s wildfires impacted the music community, having lost their homes and studio last month.

Dawes, who along opened the Grammys with a performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”  alongside John Legend, St. Vincent, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley and Brittany Howard, said backstage that the assembly came together a week and a half ago.

“We used to think maybe the (Grammys) aren’t part of our journey (as a band), but oh, now we get to open the show,” Taylor said backstage. “It’s wild to think of how our childhood dreams could meet up with the opportunity to help our community.”

Boston Celtics Superstar Jayson Tatum Rejects $919 Million Nike Contract After Shocking Announcement

BOSTON, MA — In a stunning development that has rocked both the sports and business worlds, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has officially rejected a record-breaking $919 million endorsement contract from Nike. The deal, which would have made Tatum one of the highest-paid athletes in endorsement history, was expected to solidify his status not just as an NBA icon but also as a global marketing powerhouse. However, Tatum’s shocking announcement about his future has left fans, analysts, and corporate executives scrambling for answers.

Tatum’s decision comes on the heels of a cryptic message he shared during a press conference, leaving the basketball world in suspense. The Celtics forward, known for his calm demeanor and clutch performances, announced that he “won’t be able to fulfill commitments that require long-term obligations,” sparking widespread speculation about his future both on and off the court.

This article dives deep into the details of the rejected Nike contract, the potential reasons behind Tatum’s decision, and what this means for the NBA, the Celtics, and the business of sports endorsements.

The $919 Million Nike Deal: A Historic Offer

Breaking Down the Contract

Nike’s proposed contract for Jayson Tatum wasn’t just any endorsement deal—it was set to be one of the largest in sports history, rivaling even the legendary lifetime deals signed by global icons like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Total Value: $919 million

Duration: 10-year contract with an option for lifetime extension

Annual Earnings: Approximately $91.9 million per year

Incentives: Performance bonuses tied to NBA MVP awards, Finals appearances, and championship victories

Equity Stake: A groundbreaking clause that would have given Tatum an equity share in Nike’s basketball division, a first-of-its-kind incentive

Nike planned to launch an entirely new signature line under Tatum’s name, including sneakers, apparel, and lifestyle merchandise. The brand had already developed prototypes for the “Tatum Legacy Series”, which were expected to debut in the 2025 NBA season.

Why This Deal Was Historic

Nike’s offer reflected Tatum’s meteoric rise in the NBA. The 6-foot-8 forward has become the face of the Boston Celtics, leading them to multiple deep playoff runs and earning All-NBA honors. His combination of scoring prowess, leadership, and marketability made him an ideal candidate for Nike’s next global ambassador.

The $919 million deal would have placed Tatum in elite company:

Michael Jordan (Nike): Lifetime deal estimated at over $1 billion in revenue

LeBron James (Nike): Lifetime deal valued at over $1 billion

Cristiano Ronaldo (Nike): Lifetime deal worth approximately $1 billion

For Tatum to walk away from such an offer is unprecedented, raising serious questions about his motivations.

Tatum’s Shocking Announcement: What We Know So Far

The Press Conference That Changed Everything

On Monday morning, in a packed media room at the Celtics’ training facility, Jayson Tatum addressed the press with an announcement that no one saw coming. Dressed in a simple black hoodie and Celtics cap, he spoke candidly but with visible emotion.

> “I’ve been blessed beyond measure with opportunities on and off the court. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided I won’t be able to commit to long-term obligations that require extensive personal branding and global marketing commitments. This isn’t about money—it’s about purpose, balance, and personal growth.” — Jayson Tatum

Tatum did not elaborate on the specifics of what led to his decision, but his words hinted at a personal transformation or life change that has shifted his priorities. The phrase “long-term obligations” fueled speculation about his future in basketball, endorsements, and even his personal life.

Speculation and Theories: Why Did Tatum Say No?

Since the announcement, theories have flooded social media and sports talk shows. Here are some of the most prominent speculations:

1. Potential Early Retirement?

Some analysts speculate that Tatum might be considering an early retirement from professional basketball. While this seems unlikely given his age (just 26) and peak performance level, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. Athletes like Andrew Luck and Calvin Johnson retired early to prioritize personal well-being over professional demands.

Could Tatum be following a similar path? His statement about “purpose and personal growth” adds fuel to this theory.

2. Family Priorities and Personal Life Changes

Tatum has always been open about his close relationship with his son, Deuce. Some fans believe he may want to spend more time with his family, avoiding the relentless travel and media obligations that come with global endorsements.

There’s also speculation about potential developments in his personal life—whether related to family expansion, health concerns, or other personal commitments—that could have influenced his decision.

3. A New Business Venture?

Another theory is that Tatum may be planning to launch his own brand. Rejecting Nike’s deal could be a strategic move to create an independent business venture, similar to what Stephen Curry did with Under Armour, where he negotiated an equity stake that turned him into more than just an endorser.

If Tatum is looking to establish his own brand, it could redefine the athlete-endorsement relationship in the modern era.

4. Philosophical Shift Away from Commercialism

Some insiders suggest Tatum’s decision reflects a broader philosophical shift. In an era where mental health and authenticity are increasingly prioritized, perhaps Tatum simply wants to distance himself from the overwhelming demands of corporate sponsorships.

His comment about “balance and personal growth” suggests that money isn’t his primary motivator—a bold stance in today’s hyper-commercialized sports world.

Impact on the NBA and the Celtics

For the Boston Celtics

Tatum’s decision could have ripple effects on the Celtics organization. While his rejection of Nike’s deal doesn’t directly impact his NBA contract, it raises questions about his long-term commitment to the sport.

If Tatum’s announcement signals a potential early retirement or career shift, the Celtics’ championship aspirations could be in jeopardy. However, sources within the organization remain optimistic, with head coach Joe Mazzulla stating:

“Jayson is locked in with the team. His decision doesn’t change who he is to us—a leader, a competitor, and the heart of this franchise.”

For the NBA’s Global Brand

The NBA heavily relies on global superstars like Tatum to expand its international reach. His partnership with Nike would have fueled global marketing campaigns, especially in key markets like China and Europe.

Tatum’s rejection of such a high-profile deal could prompt the NBA to rethink how it supports players in balancing commercial obligations with personal well-being.

Nike’s Response: A Corporate Shockwave

Nike, a company known for securing lifetime deals with its biggest stars, has been noticeably quiet since the announcement. However, an anonymous source within the company shared:

> “We were caught off guard. The deal was unprecedented, and we believed it was mutually beneficial. But we respect Jayson’s decision and his focus on personal priorities.”

The rejection of a $919 million contract is a rare corporate event. Nike will likely pivot to other rising NBA stars, but losing Tatum—especially after months of negotiation—is a significant blow.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Support, and Speculation

Social media erupted within minutes of Tatum’s announcement. Reactions ranged from disbelief to admiration:

@CelticsFanForLife: “I can’t believe Tatum turned down nearly a billion dollars. But respect to him for staying true to himself. #RoleModel”

@NBAHotTakes: “Tatum rejecting $919M?! There’s gotta be more to this story. Is he retiring? Starting his own brand? What’s going on?!”

@SneakerHead247: “Nike’s Tatum Legacy Series was going to be 🔥. I was ready to cop. This hurts.”

While some fans expressed disappointment, most admired Tatum’s courage to prioritize personal values over financial gain.

What’s Next for Jayson Tatum?

As the dust settles, the world waits to see what Tatum’s next move will be. Whether he’s planning to focus more on family, start a new business venture, or simply redefine his relationship with fame and endorsements, one thing is clear: Jayson Tatum is unapologetically carving his own path.

His decision may inspire a new generation of athletes to think differently about success—not just in terms of contracts and championships but in terms of personal fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Sports History

Jayson Tatum’s rejection of a $919 million Nike contract is more than a headline—it’s a defining moment in sports history. It challenges long-held assumptions about what motivates elite athletes and forces us to reconsider the true meaning of success.

In an era obsessed with wealth and celebrity, Tatum’s bold choice reminds us that authenticity, purpose, and personal values can matter more than any dollar amount.

As Tatum himself said during his announcement:

“I’ve always believed in betting on myself. But sometimes, the biggest bet you can make is on who you are—not what the world expects you to be.”

And with that, Jayson Tatum has proven once again that he’s not just a superstar on the court—he’s a trailblazer off it.

Caitlin Clark: The Phenomenon Transforming Women’s Basketball

Caitlin Clark is more than just a basketball player; she’s a revolution in motion. The 22-year-old rookie point guard for the Indiana Fever has emerged as one of the most captivating athletes in the world of sports, transcending the boundaries of women’s basketball with her raw talent, marketability, and electrifying performances. Her influence on the sport of women’s basketball is undeniable, and she’s playing a central role in reshaping the landscape of the WNBA. What’s more remarkable is how Caitlyn has sparked a surge in fan interest, breaking attendance records and capturing the attention of viewers worldwide.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

The phrase “Caitlin Clark Effect” has become a buzzword in basketball circles, referring to the massive impact she has on the popularity of games she’s part of. When Caitlin Clark plays, people watch. It’s as simple as that. Fans flock to arenas, and televisions light up across the globe. Her unique blend of elite shooting ability, exceptional court vision, and electrifying style of play has turned every game she plays into a must-watch event.

In games featuring Clark, the Indiana Fever has seen attendance numbers skyrocket, with some venues offering standing-room tickets to accommodate the demand. At the Gateway Center, which has a seating capacity of 3,500, tickets sell out within minutes of being released, leading to unprecedented increases in concession sales, including hot dog and beer sales, with numbers up by more than 300%. It’s not just a basketball game; it’s an event. Her influence extends well beyond the court.

Clark’s magnetic appeal has even changed the business side of things for the WNBA. With a staggering 62.7% shooting accuracy from within five feet and the ability to launch shots from deep range with pinpoint precision, Clark’s game has drawn comparisons to the likes of LeBron James. Her scoring versatility, combined with her unrivaled confidence, has allowed her to carve out a space in the global sports scene. This, in turn, has led to more national TV broadcasts, with a 36 out of 40-game schedule being aired across various platforms. Last season, the WNBA experienced an uptick in viewership, with games featuring Caitlin Clark consistently drawing over a million viewers, a feat that has become synonymous with her performances.

A New Wave of Attention for the WNBA

Caitlin Clark’s rise has brought an unprecedented level of attention to the WNBA. The 2025 season is expected to be a defining one, with record-breaking crowds anticipated in venues like State Farm Arena for games featuring Clark. Notably, when the Indiana Fever faces off against the Atlanta Dream, it’s no longer just about the game; it’s about creating a spectacle. The Dream, for instance, has gone to great lengths to promote their matchups with Clark, pushing the boundaries of traditional sports marketing by releasing hype videos and leveraging social media to build anticipation for the game.

This has had a ripple effect throughout the league, with other teams now recognizing the importance of effective promotion to fill arenas when Clark is playing. For instance, after a recent Fever-Indiana Storm matchup drew 2.2 million viewers, the league quickly realized how much potential lies in the increasing visibility of players like Clark. The Fever, who struggled with attendance issues in the past, have now become one of the league’s premier attractions, and much of that success is attributable to the 22-year-old guard’s presence.

Marketability and Endorsements

Beyond her athletic prowess, Caitlin Clark’s impact has been felt in the marketing and endorsement space. In her rookie season alone, Clark’s endorsement deals have already surpassed the millions, thanks to her marketable image and charismatic personality. She’s worked with top brands such as Nike, Wilson, and Gatorade, and she’s even set to release her own line of signature shoes and basketballs. Her brand value has not only improved her personal earnings but has also brought more attention to the WNBA as a whole.

Clark’s earnings are projected to grow significantly over the coming years. During her time at Iowa, she accumulated an estimated $3 million from endorsement deals related to her name, image, and likeness (NIL). This is a new era for athletes, as Clark’s story represents a shift toward greater recognition and financial reward for women in sports.

However, Caitlin Clark is not just about personal success; she’s an advocate for her teammates and the WNBA as a whole. Clark’s outspoken nature has sparked important conversations, particularly about salaries. While male athletes in the NBA or NFL make millions from endorsements, WNBA players, even stars like Clark, struggle with salaries that can barely cover the cost of basic living expenses. For example, Clark’s annual rookie contract pays her $76,500, which is far below the earnings of her male counterparts in similar positions. She has even been open about the financial challenges players face, joking about needing help to buy season tickets for her family, despite the fact that she’s one of the most popular players in the league.

This frankness and her willingness to speak out about the need for change show a level of leadership that extends beyond the court. Clark’s advocacy for fair pay could play a pivotal role in transforming the future of women’s sports and could inspire further negotiations for better compensation in the WNBA.

A Future in the Making

As Caitlin Clark continues to dominate the basketball world, it’s clear that her presence is transforming the game. Her breathtaking shots, strategic playmaking, and leadership on the court make her one of the most exciting players in basketball, regardless of gender. However, it’s her influence off the court—her ability to pack arenas, attract viewers, and spark conversations about the future of women’s basketball—that truly sets her apart.

The upcoming games for the Indiana Fever are sure to be highlights of the season, with Caitlin Clark leading the charge for an exciting future for the WNBA. As her star continues to rise, there’s no doubt that her impact will be felt for years to come, not only for her skill but also for how she’s reshaping the way the world views women’s sports.

Caitlin Clark is not just a player to watch; she’s a phenomenon that is pushing boundaries, breaking records, and leading the way for a new era of women’s basketball.

All the Easter eggs in Taylor Swift’s red-hot Grammys 2025 outfit — including her Travis Kelce tributes

Taylor Swift is feeling so high school (musical).

The pop star sent fans reeling when she arrived on the Grammys 2025 red carpet in a glittering scarlet Vivienne Westwood minidress and a delicate ruby “T” charm (designed by Swift herself, in collaboration with Lorraine Schwartz) wrapped around her thigh.

While the look seemed to be a clear tribute to boyfriend Travis Kelce rather than a hidden message about upcoming music, there are still plenty of Easter eggs to unpack.

Taylor Swift arrived on the Grammys 2025 red carpet in a bold red Vivienne Westwood dress. FilmMagic

The custom mini featured elegant draping and a dangerously high slit. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The pop star repped boyfriend Travis Kelce with a custom ruby “T” charm, designed in collaboration with Lorraine Schwartz. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Loving him was red

Crimson is an ever-present color in Swift’s life these days, from her signature lipstick to the Kansas City Chiefs’ team hues. The shade’s come up over and over again in her work, too — dating back to 2008’s “Love Story,” when she declared, “you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter.”

It even inspired Swift’s 2012 album, “Red”; in the title track, she sings, “Loving him was red.” But in “Daylight,” from 2019’s “Lover,” the Grammy winner recanted her original statement: “I once believed love would be burning red, but it’s golden.”

While that lyric may have been inspired by Swift’s then-boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, current beau Kelce happened to step off the plane in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday night in — what else? — a gold tracksuit, repping his team’s other hue.

Swift and Kelce have been dating for more than a year, with the pop star making many appearances at his Kansas City Chiefs games dressed in red. Getty Images

The singer routinely incorporates rubies into her game-day looks, as well as custom Kelce-themed jewelry. Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Kelce arrived in New Orleans on Sunday ahead of the Super Bowl in a gold tracksuit. chiefs/Instagram
Swift’s “T” charm instantly drew comparisons to a lyric from her most recent album, 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department.” In “Guilty as Sin?” she asks, “What if he’s written ‘mine’ on my upper thigh only in my mind?”

The jewelry also called to mind a line from 2017’s “Call It What You Want”: “I want to wear his initial on a chain ’round my neck.

As Swifties were quick to point out, that’s exactly what Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) did with the necklace Troy (Zac Efron) gifted her in “High School Musical 2,” the second installment in the Disney Channel’s franchise following a jock who falls in love with a brainy singer. Sound familiar?

The rubies that I gave up

Swift may have been drawn to rubies for reasons beyond their fiery color. The gem serves as the birthstone for July, and in that month in 2023, Kelce tried and failed to give Swift his phone number on a friendship bracelet during her Kansas City stop on the Eras Tour.

Rumors of their romance began swirling around that time, though they didn’t officially confirm their relationship status until September.

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Fans even dissected the shape of the “T,” with eagle-eyed Swifties recognizing the serif font from the official lyric video for “So High School” — her 2024 tune dedicated to Kelce. (Lyrics include, “You know how to ball, I know Aristotle.”)

In the clip, the songstress illuminates the letters “T,” “K,” “T,” and “S” in a sweet nod to their initials, with the font matching the charm’s.

While the same classic typeface has featured heavily throughout her “Tortured Poets” era, it’s worth noting that Swift walked on stage to present the award for best country album not to her Grammy-nominated hit “Fortnight,” but rather — you guessed it — “So High School.”

Vivienne Westwood is a go-to designer for Swift, who wore a dress and purse from the brand while on a double date in Amsterdam with the Mahomeses. Instagram/brittanylynne

She wore a plaid Westwood set to an October 2024 Chiefs game, too. Getty Images

We never go out of style

While the font talk and color comparisons could be a stretch, it’s plain to see that Swift’s a major Vivienne Westwood fan.

She’s worn the British brand on many dates with Kelce, including the blue midi dress and heart-shaped purse she picked for a hang with the Mahomeses in Amsterdam. She also opted for a plaid Westwood corset top and skirt for an October 2024 Chiefs game.

In May, Swift debuted the “Tortured Poets Department” section of her Eras Tour, which was costumed entirely by Vivienne Westwood. Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Travis Kelce made a surprise appearance on stage during “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” in London. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Swift also added an entire section to her Eras Tour in May after releasing “TTPD,” for which she was outfitted in multiple custom Vivienne Westwood designs. (Who could forget when Kelce made a surprise appearance on stage in a tuxedo and top hat during that part of the show?)

The stylish “Grotesquerie” actor even wore Vivienne Westwood himself when he attended model Karen Elson’s wedding as Swift’s date.

Her “T” charm was reminiscent of the bedazzled garter she wore at the end of each Eras Tour show. Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

And may call to mind the buckled Halara skort she wore to Coachella 2024 with Kelce. WWD via Getty Images
Swift may have been inspired to add the thigh charm by a different Eras Tour outfit: her blue “Midnights” bodysuit by Zuhair Murad, which Swift accessorized with a garter to perform songs including “Vigilante S—t” and “Karma.” (In the latter, she occasionally switched up the lyrics to shout out her “the guy on the Chiefs” rather than her ex “on the screen.”)

It also recalls the edgy Halara skort she wore to Coachella 2024 alongside Kelce, with its high slit and buckled leg strap.

Whatever Swift’s inspiration, we can’t wait to see how she tops her high-fashion cheerleader look at the Super Bowl 2025 in New Orleans this Sunday as Kelce’s Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

John Rich Slams Grammy Decision After Beyoncé Wins Best Country Album

The 2024 Grammy Awards sparked significant controversy, particularly in the country music community, when Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter won the award for Best Country Album. While Beyoncé’s foray into country music had generated both excitement and skepticism, the win left many fans and artists, including country star John Rich, perplexed and frustrated. This controversy ignited debates about the Grammy voting process, genre boundaries, and the role of popularity versus artistry in determining award winners.

Beyoncé’s Reaction: A Surprising Win

Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter was included in the Grammy nominations for Best Country Album, alongside traditional country artists like Chris Stapleton, Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, and Lainey Wilson. However, Beyoncé herself had been quite vocal in the past about not considering Cowboy Carter a country album. In fact, she made it clear that the album was her own creative vision, a blend of genres and influences that didn’t fit neatly into the country genre. At one point, Beyoncé told fans, “This ain’t a country album. This is a Beyoncé album. This is Cowboy Carter and I’m proud to share it with y’all.”

Despite her disinterest in being labeled a country artist, Beyoncé’s win was undeniably a shock to many. As the Grammy results were revealed, the camera panned to Kacey Musgraves, one of the other nominees, and her visible reaction seemed to express the confusion that many viewers were feeling. The outcome was nothing short of surprising, especially considering Beyoncé’s own ambivalence toward being classified within the genre.

John Rich’s Response: Behind the Scenes at the Grammys

For John Rich, the decision was a tipping point. The country music star, known for his outspoken views on industry politics, voiced his frustration on social media after Beyoncé’s win. Rich posted, “Beyoncé wins Best Country Album at the Grammys. Laughing way to go.” His sarcastic remark was a response to the growing criticism from fans and fellow artists who believed the award was a misstep.

Rich didn’t stop there. In a follow-up post, he explained how he believes the Grammy Awards – and similar music award shows – are often decided by behind-the-scenes deals rather than an objective assessment of who created the best music. “Folks are asking me how do music award shows work,” Rich wrote. “Labels and publishers all have blocks of votes. They make deals with each other: ‘You vote for mine, I’ll vote for yours.’ It has zero to do with who made the best music.” Rich’s comments resonated with many fans who were already questioning the legitimacy of Beyoncé’s win, as they believed it was a result of industry influence rather than the merit of the music itself.

The Outrage from Fans

The reaction from country music fans was swift and vocal. Many took to social media to voice their disbelief over Beyoncé’s victory. A user on X (formerly Twitter) shared, “I’m sorry, but Beyoncé is not a country singer.” This sentiment was echoed by numerous other posts, which criticized the Grammy Awards for failing to honor traditional country music in favor of a pop icon who had only recently dipped into the genre. Fans were particularly upset because Cowboy Carter was not even presented as a country album by Beyoncé herself.

The outrage wasn’t limited to social media. The Grammy decision raised questions about genre classifications in general. Should artists be allowed to cross genres, or should they stick to one category when vying for prestigious awards? The situation highlighted the growing trend of genre-blending in modern music, which has blurred the lines between what is considered “country,” “pop,” or “rock.” Some fans were simply confused, while others felt that Beyoncé’s win undermined the work of artists who had dedicated their careers to country music, such as Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, and Chris Stapleton, who had all been more entrenched in the genre.

Industry Politics and the Grammy Voting Process

John Rich’s explanation about the Grammy voting process gave fans a glimpse into the political side of music award shows. According to Rich, the outcome of these awards is often determined by strategic alliances between record labels and publishers. He claimed that these industry deals influence voting, allowing artists to secure wins through collaboration rather than merit. In essence, Rich suggested that the Grammy Awards are more about politics than about celebrating the best music.

This criticism of the voting process is not a new one. For years, award shows have been scrutinized for being swayed by record label influence, celebrity status, and promotional power rather than the true quality of the music. As Rich pointed out, this is true not only for the Grammys but for other major music award shows like the CMAs, ACMs, and Billboards. In many cases, the politics of who is voting and why they are voting can overshadow the artistic achievements of the nominees.

A Broader Conversation About Genre and Popularity

The controversy surrounding Beyoncé’s win raises important questions about the evolving nature of musical genres. Country music, traditionally defined by its storytelling, acoustic instrumentation, and roots in southern culture, has increasingly incorporated elements of pop, hip-hop, and rock. Artists like Post Malone and Lil Nas X have challenged the boundaries of what is considered country, blending genres and defying conventional expectations.

At the same time, there is a growing backlash from traditional country music fans who believe that true country music should remain distinct from other genres. John Rich’s outspoken criticism reflects a larger concern within the country music community: the fear that the genre is being diluted or overshadowed by pop stars like Beyoncé, who may not fully embrace country music’s foundational principles.

Conclusion: The Aftermath of Beyoncé’s Win

Beyoncé’s win for Best Country Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards will likely remain a topic of conversation for some time. Whether one agrees with John Rich’s assessment of the voting process or not, his comments have highlighted a larger issue within the music industry – the intersection of genre, popularity, and politics in award shows.

For fans of traditional country music, Beyoncé’s win represents a challenge to the integrity of the genre. However, it also raises important questions about how the music industry defines and categorizes music in a rapidly changing landscape. As artists continue to explore new genres and push the boundaries of what is considered “country,” the conversation around these genre distinctions will only become more complex. In the end, Beyoncé’s Grammy victory may be seen as a reflection of the evolving nature of music itself, where labels and categories are becoming increasingly fluid.

Victor Wembanyama put on a show in front of his home fans this week, and Cameron Brink was one of many stars who came out to watch him.

Victor Wembanyama and Cameron Brink (Photo via Twitter)

Basketball legends and celebrities attended the San Antonio Spurs star’s NBA game in his home country, France.

In the NBA, on ESPN’s Instagram post, Los Angeles Sparks Cameron Brink was one of many people watching courtside at Accor Arena in Paris.

The No. 2 overall pick was seen with NBA legends Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Brink and Victor Wembanyama could be seen chatting it up, and it really showed just how much height the Spurs star had as he made a 6-foot-4 Brink look incredibly tiny.

Here is how social media responded:

“The child would be 7’6,” one fan said while imagining a relationship between them.

“Two Legends in the making 🙌🏾🍩,” a second fan stated.

“Two ballers, but Wemby is best level,” a third fan added.

“Insane height😳🤯,” a fourth fan commented on the height of Victor Wembanyama and Cameron Brink.

“They lowkey cute together,” one final fan dreamed.

Cameron Brink is one of the taller WNBA players at 6 foot-4. So, seeing her look like a midget next to San Antonio Spurs 7-foot-3 giant Victor Wembanyama shows just how imposing the 21-year-old French star is.

In the meantime, the 23-year-old would be playing for the Lunar Owls in the Unrivaled League, but she is still recovering from the ACL injury she suffered with the Los Angeles Sparks in June that prematurely ended her rookie campaign.

Victor Wembanyama Put On A Show For His Country

Wembanyama shined Thursday in front of his hometown crowd in France, leading all players in the contest in scoring, rebounds, and blocks.

Wembanyama finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and five blocks while shooting a ridiculous 13 of 21 from the field and 4 of 11 from the three-point range.

Victor Wembanyama is now averaging 24.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 4.0 blocks per contest.

GRAMMY 2025 CHAOS? Taylor Swift & Cynthia Erivo HAD TO SHARE A SEAT – WHAT HAPPENED? 😱🔥🎤

Footage from the Crypto.com arena showed the pop superstar scoot over for the ‘Wicked’ actress while the night kicked off

Taylor Swift and Cynthia Erivo share a seat at the 2025 Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, 2025. Photo:  Paramount +

Taylor Swift and Cynthia Erivo were apparently defying the seating chart at the Grammys, but all for good reason!

On Sunday, Feb. 2, the pop superstar and Oscar-nominated Wicked actress may have had their own seats during the 2025 Grammys at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, but viewers quickly noticed at the top of the broadcast that the duo were actually sharing a single seat together!

Swift, 35, and Erivo, 38, notably appeared on screen together while the night’s host, Trevor Noah, gave a rundown of just how “big” the Grammys is. Behind him, the pair could be seen giggling, reacting to some of Noah’s jokes and effortlessly sitting up straight despite appearing to share one chair, per footage from the event’s broadcast shared by Entertainment Tonight.

At one point, Erivo and Swift even appeared to recreate the “holding space” meme from Wicked‘s press tour, as Swift smiled while she grabbed Erivo’s finger on air.

Taylor Swift and Cynthia Erivo share a seat at the 2025 Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, 2025. Paramount +

While it wasn’t quite clear at first what brought the duo together, footage from the arena captured by The Hollywood Reporter shows that Erivo entered the venue’s floor and appeared to look around for her seat as the show kicked off. As Erivo walked closer to Noah, who was standing up and delivering part of a monologue, Swift waved her down, partly moved over and put her arm around Erivo as she sat down next to her.

According to the night’s seating chart, Erivo had been positioned to sit at a table alongside Queen Latifah and John Legend. Also at the Swift table were Margaret Qualley and Swift’s producer pal Jack Antonoff.

“Late arrival for Wicked star Cynthia Erivo who is accompanied by an escort to table joining Taylor Swift who waves her over,” wrote writer Chris Gardner, who captured the footage. “#Grammys Trevor Noah still hosting as she sneaks over.”

Taylor Swift and Cynthia Erivo attend the 67th Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, 2025.Amy Sussman/Getty

It was a big night for both Swift and Erivo. While Swift celebrated her six nominations, Erivo performed alongside Herbie Hancock for a heartwarming and star-studded tribute to music legend Quincy Jones, who died in November at age 91. Before Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Lainey Wilson and Jacob Collier arrived on the stage to share their own renditions of Jones’ many classics, Erivo kicked things off with a slowed-down, piano-side rendition of Frank Sinatra’s 1964 hit, “Fly Me to the Moon.”

Throughout the night, Swift was also at the center of a few other viral moments — from toasting with Jay-Z after Beyoncé’s album of the year win for Cowboy Carter to even catching a piece of one performer’s attire!

During the Jones tribute, as Janelle Monáe shared a high-energy rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” Swift actually caught the suit jacket that Monáe threw in the air and continued wearing it for much of the night.

At first, Giannis Antetokounmpo felt for Luka Doncic who got shockingly shipped by the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Doncic is one of the few NBA players these days expected to retire with the team that drafted them. That is not happening anymore after he was sent to the Tinsel Town together with Maxi Kleber while the Mavericks receive Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first round draft pick. Utah Jazz acted as the facilitator.

There’s another way to look at the situation though, at least according to the Greek Freak.

Antetokounmpo believes Europe has to gain the most with Doncic going to the Lakers because there is a possibility that the next face of the NBA is from that continent.

The Milwaukee Bucks star changed his view of the mega blockbuster trade because he thought the Europeans will finally be represented by a real superstar.

Mar 7, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Team LeBron forward Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34) reacts to being named the MVP of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Now I just love it [the trade]. You know what I want? I want Luka to the Lakers, I want Jokic to the Knicks. I want all the Europeans to go to all the big markets to see something incredible. This is what I want. This is my dream. But again, I wish both teams the best of luck, wish all the players best of luck with their journey moving forward.

Antetokounmpo is from Greece but he has said before that he never wants to go to a big market team and that he wants to retire as a Buck.

What was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s initial reaction?

It is a cold world.

That is Antetokounmpo’s initial thoughts on the Doncic situation hours after it was confirmed it was real.

He elaborated on his emoji after their loss at home to the Memphis Grizzlies.

He said he knows that players get evaluated everyday that is why he is not taking each day, each moment for granted.

He added that he understand that NBA is still a business and this should help people understand that if teams can do that to a star player, the latter can do that, too.

Feb 2, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks fans leave notes and memorabilia after the game between the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center to protest the trade of Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

When the teams make the best moves for them and they believe they can get another player to win now. when a player believes that he can go to a different team and he believes he can have a chance to win a championship, we cannot crucify the person and say that he’s not loyal and he didn’t do the right thing and he let everybody down.

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“The best part is when it ended,” Strait allegedly said about Beyoncé’s latest album.

Image courtesy of screen capture

Unpacking the Satirical Article on George Strait and Beyoncé: A Misleading Narrative

On April 10, 2024, the Facebook page of America’s Last Line of Defense published an article titled “Nashville Legend George Strait Weighs in on Beyoncé: ‘Playing Dress-Up Don’t Make You Country,’” which quickly gained traction among readers. The article claimed that legendary country music artist George Strait had dismissed Beyoncé as a country artist, citing his comments on her musical style and the claim that her crossover into the country genre was an act of “playing dress-up.” The article further suggested that Strait would actively fight against Beyoncé’s album being nominated for any country music awards.

However, this article was not grounded in reality. The piece was a satirical creation, meant for humor rather than factual reporting. This distinction is crucial for understanding the misleading nature of the narrative and how it spread, causing confusion among readers who may not have recognized the article as satire.

The Origin of the Article: Satire at Play

America’s Last Line of Defense, the outlet responsible for publishing the article, has been known for producing satirical and humorous content. According to the site’s main Facebook page, they specifically identify themselves as creators of satire and humor. The website’s tagline makes it clear that their intention is not to deliver news but rather to provide comedic takes on current events, celebrity culture, and popular figures.

Satirical websites like America’s Last Line of Defense have become increasingly common, often mimicking the tone and structure of genuine news outlets. The blurred lines between real and fake news can lead to confusion for readers who stumble upon these articles without context. The piece in question about George Strait and Beyoncé is an example of this phenomenon, where an article designed for entertainment purposes was taken seriously by some of its audience, leading to a distorted narrative.

The Alleged Comments by George Strait

In the satirical article, the fictional interview with George Strait presents him as harshly criticizing Beyoncé’s attempt to enter the country music scene. The piece quotes Strait as saying, “I listened to it for as long as I could. The best part about it was when it ended.” This exaggerated quote paints Strait as being dismissive of Beyoncé’s music, particularly her ventures into country music. The article further states that Strait would “fight against the album receiving nominations at any country awards show.”

This language, though it may sound like something a celebrity might say, is characteristic of satire. The exaggerated disdain in the comments is not typical of George Strait’s public persona, which is known for being respectful and professional. Strait has always maintained a reputation as a thoughtful and polite individual, known more for his music and legacy than for engaging in public spats with fellow artists.

In reality, there is no evidence or public record of Strait making such comments about Beyoncé. The article is a fictional creation, designed to generate amusement and provoke reaction by combining two hugely famous figures—Strait, the king of country music, and Beyoncé, an icon of pop and R&B—into a humorous (though fictional) conflict.

The Issue of Cross-Genre Collaboration

Beyoncé’s ventures into country music have been met with both excitement and criticism, but it is important to note that her collaborations in the genre are generally seen as a nod to her love for diverse musical styles rather than an attempt to replace or undermine country artists. In 2016, Beyoncé performed at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, joining the Dixie Chicks for a rendition of “Daddy Lessons.” This performance was controversial to some, but it also sparked important conversations about genre boundaries and cross-genre collaborations in the music industry.

Rather than a condemnation, Beyoncé’s work in the country genre could be seen as an expression of musical evolution and versatility. Many artists across genres have blended styles, demonstrating how fluid the music world can be. This is particularly true in modern country music, which has increasingly incorporated elements from pop, rock, and hip-hop.

It’s worth noting that Strait himself has never publicly expressed animosity toward other artists who experiment with cross-genre music. He has always focused on creating his own music, which remains deeply rooted in the traditional country sound. He has consistently been respectful of the diversity within the music industry, even if he does not always agree with the directions certain artists take.

Satire and the Influence of Social Media

The satirical article about George Strait and Beyoncé highlights a larger issue in the age of social media: the spread of misinformation and the confusion between fact and fiction. Many readers, particularly those who are not familiar with the website’s satirical nature, may have believed the claims presented as truth. The viral nature of social media allows articles like this to spread quickly, often without readers verifying the source or considering the tone of the publication.

This phenomenon is not unique to America’s Last Line of Defense. Numerous satirical websites exist that blur the line between parody and news, and the rise of these platforms has sparked debates about the responsibility of media outlets in labeling content as satire. While it is up to the consumer to be critical and discerning of what they read, media literacy remains an important skill in navigating the increasingly complex landscape of online news.

Conclusion: Understanding the Role of Satire

The article published by America’s Last Line of Defense about George Strait and Beyoncé was never meant to be taken seriously. Instead, it was a playful piece of satire, intended to poke fun at the intersection of country music and pop culture. While it may have generated a great deal of attention, it’s important for readers to recognize the nature of satire and approach such content with a sense of humor and skepticism.

In the end, George Strait has never publicly dismissed Beyoncé as a country artist, and the notion of him “fighting” against her music being nominated for country awards is purely a fabrication. As with all satirical content, the article should be viewed in the context of its humorous intent rather than as a factual account of real-life events.

SHOCKING: The Real Reason Travis Kelce Was Fined $11,000 In Fierce Game Against Bills!

Kansas City Chief star Travis Kelce took home more than a Lamar Hunt trophy after his recent playoff against the Buffalo Bills in January.

Travis Kelce’s new trophy came at a hefty cost.

Six days after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in their AFC Championship game on Jan. 26, the tight end was fined $11,255 by the NFL for taunting an opposing player on the field, per NBC Sports.

The heckling occurred in the game’s second quarter, when Patrick Mahomes was tackled by Bills safety Damar Hamlin after he scored a one-yard touchdown. Kelce got in Hamlin’s face, but Hamlin’s teammate, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, didn’t take the teasing lightly. Phillips then head-butted Kelce and received a $6,722 fine for unnecessary roughness. The Bills were also penalized 15 yards.

Kelce, 35, wasn’t fined for his actions at the time, but the NFL issued the fine on Feb. 1. If he receives another taunting violation this season, Bleacher Report revealed the karma for the guy on the Chiefs would result in a $16,833 fine.

This isn’t the first time the New Heights podcast host has been fined for his behavior on the field. During the Chiefs’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in December, Kelce dunked the football over the goal post, which goes against the league’s rules. The NFL later fined him $14,069 for Unsportsmanlike Conduct Use of Prop on Jan. 4, per People.

Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Despite Kelce’s pricy violation, the tight end had his fair share of free wins at the championship game. Not only did the Chiefs’ victory advance them to the Super Bowl, where they’ll play against the Philadelphia Eagles for the second time in three years, but he celebrated the achievement with Taylor Swift. The couple, who’ve been dating since September 2023, shared their signature kiss on the field before later getting cozy at an after-party.

Kelce recently praised Swift for consistently supporting him at his games. “Having that confidence and comfort off the field and all the support I could ever ask for in the stadium,” he said on the Stephen A. Smith Show  Jan. 15, adding he and the Tortured Poets Department singer are “happy.” “That’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you.”

Keep reading to see more of Kelce’s memorable moments on the field.

Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

1. Travis Kelce may be inextricably linked to Kansas City, Mo., for life, but he grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

And the man represents, shouting out his hometown instead of his alma mater, University of Cincinnati, during game broadcasts that include player introductions.

Which, as you might guess, has irked some fellow alums.

“It’s not because I don’t appreciate the time I had at the University of Cincinnati, because I do, I cherish it dearly,” Travis said in 2019 when he and big brother Jason Kelce were inducted into the Cleveland Heights High School Hall of Fame. “But there was a time when I was at Cincinnati that it wasn’t easy for me. It was tough. I got my scholarship taken from me. I did a lot of dumb things. I’m sure a lot of people in this room know someone from Heights that’s done a lot of dumb things. To all my friends, I was that guy.”

And the Heights weren’t just special to him, he continued, but “to every single person up here. How diverse this place is. It builds something in me. Every single thing I do is for this city. It sounds cliche, but I promise you, every single thing I do out there — when you see me dancing in the end zone, that’s Cleveland Heights, for you, right there.”

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

2. About that revoked scholarship…

After the Bearcats’ undefeated 2009 season that included a Big East title, Travis failed a marijuana test ahead of the 2010 Sugar Bowl after partying too hard on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

Not only did he miss the bowl game, the NCAA suspended him for the 2010 season and he lost his scholarship. Finding himself without room and board, he moved in with Jason (literally into his brother’s room in the house he shared with some teammates) and took a job as a telemarketer that entailed him asking anyone who picked up if they had thoughts about the Affordable Care Act.

They did, and Travis could not wait to get back on the field.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

3. Travis played hockey, baseball and basketball before getting into football, and he was a quarterback in high school. In fact, he was a two-star QB recruit for Cincinnati, and only ended up switching to tight end as a condition of his reinstatement to the team after his suspension.

“We had an awesome quarterback at the time in Zach Collaros and we needed some help in the run game as well as the passing game,” Travis told Arrowhead Pride after he was drafted by the Chiefs in 2013, “so I talked to coach Butch Jones, who was my coach at the time, and he said we need a tight end and my skill-set, athleticism and my direction all transferred over and it worked out perfect for me.”

Or, as he put it to GQ in 2017 while rehashing his un-shining moment, “Everybody my entire life had been telling me I was a tight end anyway.”

Instagram (@donnakelce)

4. The house at 127 W. Nixon St. where Travis bunked with Jason and some fellow Bearcats was the scene of a lot of beer-infused shenanigans.

The brothers “used to love playing Nintendo 64 for hours, smashing the controls and chugging beers at the same time,” college friend and teammate Tom DeTemple told the New York Times before the 2024 Super Bowl. “They would just come up with these random drinking games while playing, and they were incredibly good at it.”

5. And suffice it to say, Travis is extremely proud of being a Bearcat.

“It’s all about Cincinnati, baby,” he told reporters before the 2023 Super Bowl, which the Chiefs got to by beating the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game. “I’ve always been extremely prideful of coming from the University of Cincinnati. I finally got my diploma. I try to help out as much as I can. I go back to the university when I can. I just miss being around all those players that I played with, and all the people I met along the way there that have always been in my corner throughout the ups and downs of life.”

And when he was down in the eyes of the NCAA, he continued, “The players, the coaches, the staff that was at the university at the time—really believed in me to be able to turn things around and do better for myself. That was huge for me at the time.”

Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images

6. Almost a decade after leaving college to enter the draft, Travis earned his degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2022—but didn’t pick up his diploma until April 2024 during a surprise commencement ceremony after he and Jason taped a live episode of New Heights at Cincinnati’s Fifth Third Arena.

The graduate was already holding a can of beer as he approached the dean for his congratulatory handshake, after which he promptly chugged it.

And Travis was going to graduate in 2022 but he missed his flight.

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

7. Largely due to his off-the-field issue, Travis ended up only the fifth tight end picked in the 2013 NFL Draft, going first in the third round to the Chiefs. After which coach Andy Reid, who’d previously coached Jason in Philadelphia, asked the elder Kelce sibling to vouch for Travis.

Andy and Travis have three Super Bowl rings to show for Jason’s endorsement.

8. His hype music may have changed since, but for years Travis listened to Randy Newman‘s “Burn On” before every game.

“I’m an east side of Cleveland kid so growing up, I don’t know why, but this song brings me back to thinking about family and thinking about where I am in life and how much I appreciate it,” he said on the NBC Sports podcast PFT Live in 2017.

Let us explain: It’s in the opening credits of Major League, the ultimate Cleveland sports movie.

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

9. Everyone, including Travis, is mispronouncing his last name.

While he and Jason have just gone with Kelce sounding like “Kel-see,” it actually rhymes with “else.”

Travis’ teammate Chris Jones fired off that bombshell on Inside the NFL in January—”F–king crazy, right?”—and the brothers confirmed as much when they confronted their dad Ed Kelce about it on their New Heights podcast.

“Why in the world did you change your name out of nowhere and now we are Kel-see?” Jason asked. “Why did we think that our name was Kel-see for the first 24 years… 27 years of my life, 25 of Trav’s?”

Ed admitted he “got tired of correcting people” but urged his son to “do whatever you want.”

John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

10. The No. 87 Travis has worn throughout his time in the NFL is a tribute to Jason, who was born in 1987.

“If there is a Kelce legacy, two brothers making it to the NFL, it all started in 1987, because this big guy was born in 1987,” Travis explained to NFL Films ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl featuring his Chiefs squaring off against Jason’s Philadelphia Eagles.

11. Travis’ foundation 87 and Running has been a longtime benefactor of Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit learning center in Kansas City that the athlete has worked with since his first visit in 2015 to read The Cat in the Hat to the kids.

Yes, reader, he wore the hat.

Since then, Travis has invested in the program’s Smart Lab and bought the former muffler shop next door so they could expand and create their Ignition Lab, where the young scholars converted old cars that could’ve ended up on the scrap heap into working electric vehicles.

David Calvert/Getty Images for American Century Investments

12. Travis and Jason call their New Heights listeners “92 percenters” in reference to Jason once commenting that a play known as a quarterback sneak worked “92 percent of the time” when all you need is one yard to score a touchdown.

Fans were apparently quite tickled and basically christened themselves the “92 percenters,” according to the podcast’s website, which likened it to “their secret handshake, but in words.”

Who were the Kelce brothers to argue with that?

David Eulitt/Getty Images

13. Travis has three personal trainers—Alex Skacel, Andrew Spruill and Laurence Justin Ng—and, according to The Athletic, one usually travels with him wherever he goes to ensure he remains in football-catching shape all year round.

Alex, who’s also a physical therapist, recalled Travis wanting to go for a late night run after taking in a slate full of shows during Paris Fashion Week because he missed working out that day.

“It’s midnight, and we’re doing sprints over the bridges over the river,” the trainer told the New York Times in April. “No matter where he is, he finds time to get done whatever he needs to get done.”

14. Travis’ personal chef, Kumar Ferguson, has been a friend since the fourth grade in Cleveland Heights.

He was an amateur cook working as a truck driver in 2016 when Travis called him up and offered him the opportunity.

“He’s like, ‘Hey man, I want to take my diet seriously, and take it to the next level,’” Kumar told Vanity Fair in 2023. “I’m like, s–t, let’s do it. Three or four days later, I was in Kansas City.”

He’s been responsible for everything from stocking Travis’ fridge to delivering well-balanced lunches to the Chiefs’ training facility.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

15. Travis’ facial hair is under the microscope more than ever now, so he explained on New Heights that he shaved his off-season beard and kept the ‘stache in 2023 as an homage to the walrus look favored by Andy Reid and decided to repeat in 2024.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

16. The $34.25 million two-year contract Travis signed in April 2024 made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL for the first time in his career.

Which finally put an end to years of chatter about how much money he wasn’t making.

“My managers and agents love to tell me how underpaid I am,” Travis quipped to Vanity Fair in 2023. “Any time I talk about wanting more money, they’re just like, ‘Why don’t you go to the Chiefs and ask them?’”

But by then, with many other sources of income having opened up for him, he cared more about the vibes than the paycheck.

“I’m like, the free market looks like fun until you go somewhere and you don’t win,” he explained. “I love winning. I love the situation I’m in.”

Seeing other players’ huge paydays “hits you in the gut a little bit,” he admitted. “It makes you think you’re being taken advantage of. I don’t know if I really pressed the gas if I would get what I’m quote-unquote worth. But I know I enjoy coming to that building every single day.”

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

17. Travis has been into clothes since growing up in Cleveland Heights, where his high school “was like a fashion show every day,” he told Vanity Fair in 2023.

Hence the bedroom he converted into a closet, the better to house his designer threads and more than 300 pairs of sneakers—including a pair of size-13 Nike Air Mags that he spent a sizable portion of his rookie year salary on despite them being a size too small.

“Earlier on in my career, when they didn’t have all these sneaker apps,” he explained to the Wall Street Journal, “it was whatever size I could get in the shoe that I wanted.”

While he’s very much a Nike guy (and not just because the brand sponsors him), Chuck Taylors also hold a space in his heart because they remind him of fictional baseball phenom Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez in The Sandlot.

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18. Among his dozens of investments, Travis co-owns Ohio-brewed Garage Beer with Jason.

“I think everyone knows I like to have a couple beers now and then,” Travis said in a June statement, “so being an owner of Garage Beer and heavily involved in making the best light beer is exciting, man! There is nothing better to bring people together than an ice-cold beer, and for Jason and me that is what beer is all about—friends, family and fun.”

19. We’re sensing a theme when it comes to Travis’ guilty pleasure TV choices.

Back in the day, it was Gossip Girl: “I mean, it’s awesome,” he said on New Heights. “It like a New York high school show with a lot of drama and basically everybody gossiping and talking s–t on each other.”

His new favorite show? Peacock’s Emmy-winning backstab-a-ganza The Traitors.

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20. In his 12th year in the NFL at 35, Travis has been more open of late about the toll the game takes on the body.

But he’s been stoically getting hammered since day one, when he missed his rookie year with a microfracture in his knee that required the first of the 10 surgeries he’s had in his career.

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21. Travis put it out there, talking on New Heights about his thwarted attempt to give Taylor Swift a friendship bracelet with his number on it when the Eras Tour touched down in Kansas City.

And after hearing through the grapevine (people in her camp who knew who Travis was and that he wanted to meet her), she contacted him.

“She told me exactly what was going on,” he told WSJ. Magazine, “and how I got lucky enough to get her to reach out to me.”

22. One of Travis’ favorite desserts since forever is French toast topped with whipped cream and syrups.

But more recently he’s become a fan of his girlfriend’s homemade Pop-Tarts and cinnamon rolls.

23. At least one of Travis’ ringtones is Chris Farley shrieking “For the love of God!” in Tommy Boy.

“I told Taylor that I have that world, I’ve got to introduce it to her,” he told WSJ. The Magazine of sharing his affinity for the comedy stylings of Farley, Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell with his girlfriend. “I let her know: This is my jam right here.”

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24. After screaming “You’ve got to fight for your right to party!” after their AFC Championship win over the Bengals in 2019, Travis inspired the Chiefs to start playing the Beastie Boys song of the same name following every home game touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium.

“It’s like an energy multiplier. That’s hard to quantify just how important that is,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach told ESPN in 2020. “He plays with that kind of character, charisma, passion, and he brings people along with him. In our building, everybody is friends with Travis Kelce. He is an ultimate energy giver. He elevates everybody’s mood, focus, attention and at the end of the day, he’s still fun.”

But the boisterous celebrant who brought it into their lives admittedly didn’t know all the words to the 1986 classic until he was tasked with performing it with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show in February 2023.

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25. Speaking of his jams, in May 2024 Travis cited his three favorite Taylor songs as “Blank Space,” “The Alchemy” and “So High School.”

Asked about it in September, however, his answer had changed to, “They’re all my favorite—literally every single one.”

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26. Comparisons to the Chiefs’ legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez, who retired in 2013 after 17 seasons in the league, started early for Travis.

In 2015, when the chatter about whether he would, in fact, surpass Tony’s achievements—and how disappointing it would be if he didn’t—was heating up, Travis said he paid the noise no mind.

“Nobody puts bigger expectations on me than myself,” he told Complex. “I want to have the greatest season statistically that a tight end has ever had.”

On Sept. 29, Travis surpassed Tony to become the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions with his 917th catch.

“It’s crazy how things always come full circle,” Travis said on New Heights. “Being at the top of the leaderboard with the Kansas City Chiefs who have been around since the ’60s, one of the beginning organizations that made it all the way through that are still at their peak. And a lot of that is due to the rich history they have and to a guy like Tony Gonzalez, who has been a mentor to me. I f–king love the guy.”

27. Of Travis’ many accomplishments, keeping his house in order on his own isn’t one of them.

“He can’t clean,” mom Donna Kelce told Extra in September. “He can’t cook.”

But perhaps hosting a special someone when she’s in town has served as extra motivation to get it together.

“He’s getting a little better,” Donna acknowledged. “I think he’s getting some help.”