Despite growing up a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan and developing a friendship with Travis Kelce, Caitlin Clark, one of the biggest rising stars in American sports, recently left fans stunned with her surprising NFL preference.
The Indiana Fever rookie and WNBA sensation is widely known for her deep-rooted support of the Kansas City Chiefs-a connection that’s been visible through her attendance at Arrowhead Stadium games and her friendships with players like Travis Kelce.
But in a recent appearance on The Eli Manning Show, Clark made it clear that her heart belongs to a rival of the Chiefs when it comes to all-time favorite players.
“Former, I’m going Peyton [Manning],” Clark admitted to Eli Manning, adding: “I actually had a Peyton Manning jersey growing up, not to make you mad, Eli, but I’m going Peyton.”
Her comment, though lighthearted, drew attention considering Manning played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, both AFC rivals of . For a self-professed Chiefs fan, it was a bold and unexpected choice.
Chiefs pride questioned, but Clark sets the record straight
Clark’s connection to the Chiefs runs deep. She’s previously been seen cheering them on at Arrowhead Stadium, including a high-profile appearance during a game against the Houston Texans last season, where she was spotted in a suite with none other than Taylor Swift.
That appearance, while exciting for fans, also drew criticism from some corners of the media.
ESPN’s Chris “Mad Dog” Russo was particularly vocal, accusing her of being a latecomer to the Chiefs bandwagon.
“All of a sudden now she’s a big Kansas City fan. Come on, stop, please,” Russo said at the time.
Social media echoed the skepticism, with fans questioning her loyalty. But during her guest spot on the New Heights podcast, co-hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, Clark cleared the air once and for all.
“I’ve been a Chiefs fan since I was a young girl,” she said. “My brother was a Chiefs fan, my dad was a Chiefs fan. I had cousins in Kansas City that were Chiefs fans. Honestly it was just something all I knew.”
Clark also painted a vivid picture of her football-loving upbringing, adding:
“In our basement, we had a Chiefs vending machine. We had those toy helmets that were Chiefs that you could run around in the yard and I could knock helmets with my brothers.”
Eventually, even Russo backtracked on his criticism during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. When asked if he owed Clark an apology, he admitted: “I guess. I guess. I shouldn’t be picking on Caitlin Clark. I’m Chief’d out.”
Despite naming Manning – widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history – as her favorite, Clark‘s bond with the Chiefs remains strong. In fact, her relationship with Travis Kelce appears to be thriving, regardless of the omission.
Kelce has praised Clark on several occasions, saying on New Heights,
“She’s unbelievable. She’s the funnest one to watch right now and one of the best basketball players I’ve ever seen.”
He continued: “She’s so welcoming and just so warm as an individual that she can have a conversation with anybody. She’s cut from the same cloth as me in that regard.”
It’s clear that Caitlin Clark, like many athletes, draws inspiration from greatness-regardless of team allegiances. Her admiration for Peyton Manning is just another example of how she blends fandom with respect for legacy.
And as her own legacy in the WNBA grows, don’t be surprised if she finds herself on someone else’s all-time favorite list soon.
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