When the Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule paused for their midseason bye, Travis Kelce took full advantage of the rare downtime.
Rather than staying home, the All-Pro tight end traded Arrowhead Stadium’s intensity for the electric pace of New York City and a few relaxing days alongside fiancée Taylor Swift.
Kelce shared details about his time away on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother and former Philadelphia Eagle, Jason Kelce.
“I got a little bit out of the house, went to New York,” Travis said. “Just hung out, man, put the feet up. Saw some cool places, ate some great food. Got to feel the big city and its electricity, and its buzz that it’s always got.”
Known for his high-energy presence on the field, Kelce emphasized that moments like these are crucial for balance. He explained that after years of sticking to rigid NFL routines – early mornings, practice schedules, game prep – he’s learned to recognize when to hit pause.
“You get so ingrained in the routine of things,” he told Jason. “Your days are set, your schedules are set during the season, and the bye week is just that. If you’re fortunate enough to come out healthy, you can get away. I like to get away and recharge.”
During his New York getaway, Kelce also made time for friends. He mentioned a stop at Puffy’s Tavern, where he caught up with a few familiar faces and met new ones. “Met my guy Summit out for a drink, met some new friends. Got some new friends that I know out in New York,” he said with a laugh.
A low-key escape with Taylor Swift
While Kelce’s tone on the podcast stayed casual, fans quickly picked up on his time in Manhattan with Swift. The couple were seen dining at the Polo Club before heading to Zero Bond, an exclusive members-only lounge famed for its discretion.
Former Bachelorette star Jason Tartick briefly shared his encounter with them online, describing Swift as “present, gracious, and glowing,” before deleting the post. He even called her a “legend” after she jokingly took a sip from Kelce’s drink once hers was empty.
For Kelce, the trip provided the perfect mental reset before the NFL’s stretch run. “Being in Kansas City for 13 years straight, for eight months out of the year, yeah, that can be a nice home for somebody,” he said. “But at the same time, I got to move my feet, man. I got to travel, see new things, visit friends.”
As the Chiefs prepare to return to action on Sunday, November 16, against the Denver Broncos, Kelce’s mini-vacation may prove to be just what he needed, a reminder that even the fiercest competitors need time to breathe, recharge, and come back stronger.
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