Travis Kelce is Dismantling Toxic Masculinity One Eras Tour Concert at a Time

Imagine the surprise when a 6’5” professional NFL athlete not only shows up at his popstar girlfriend’s concert but also becomes a part of her theatrics. It's a sight that no one could have predicted.

However, Travis Kelce isn’t just any professional athlete, and Taylor Swift isn’t just any “popstar.” In this past year, the celebrated tight end and the world’s biggest musical superstar have expressed their undying patronage for each other’s careers and their pride in supporting one another.

It undoubtedly has pissed off a few NFL and sports fans. 

Just think about it: a gigantic pro footballer who is allegedly the image of peak masculinity and machoism is unabashedly and unapologetically singing along and participating in songs written by a singer who has been stereotyped for writing songs just for “13-year-old girls.”

Of course, your average Brads and Chads are going to be pissed.

Ever since Swift and Kelce made their relationship public, the former has been put through the wringer for making the NFL too “girly.” According to passionate male football fans, the sport is only meant for them and not for the new and huge female audience Swift brought to the league. And to top it all, Kelce has been attending the ‘Eras Tour’ complete with friendship bracelets occupying almost all of his arms, a blushing smile, twinkle in his eye, and lyrics learnt to the T. 

How can a manly sportsperson possibly be okay with doing all of this?

But Kelce doesn’t give a damn. 

Time and again, the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end has squashed norms and beliefs that perpetuate toxic masculinity and sexism. “Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been mind-blowing,” he said last year in an interview with WSJ. “I’m learning every day.”

We sadly live in a world that makes it next to impossible for men to show their emotions as it translates into them being “too feminine.” Adding a sportsman to the mix just intensifies these beliefs. Athletes aren’t supposed be emotional, be too soft, admit pain, or display care or love. It somehow takes away from the virility of the sport.

But with more and more male athletes coming out with their mental health struggles, the tides are changing and the perceptions are shifting. Addressing mental struggles, physical drawbacks, pressure, and stress is becoming normal — something female athletes never shy away from. 

Supporting your partner’s endeavours and career, being loud with your love, and not letting her success make you feel small is not something we have repeatedly seen but Kelce has made sure we take notice with our eyes wide open.

Dancing at his superstar girlfriend’s sold-out record-breaking concert isn’t going to make Kelce less of a man or athlete and it shouldn’t make you less of a sports fan either.  

And if it does, just shake it off, Brad.