Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, recently opened up about how Taylor Swift has had an unexpected impact on the team’s global reach and spirit since her relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce went public.

During a recent interview with Time magazine, Mahomes credited Swift for taking Chiefs fandom to new heights, both on and off the field.

“I’ve met a lot of famous people now in my life, and Taylor’s probably the most down-to-earth person that’s been on that stage for that long,” Mahomes told Time after being named one of the magazine’s most influential people of 2024.

He praised Swift’s work ethic and dedication, adding, “She’s never not worked. Even when she’s taking downtime, she’s working on something — shooting a music video, singing, or writing a song. You can see it by how she talks, even when she’s learning about football.”

Mahomes noted that Swift’s inquisitive nature and business acumen are always apparent. “It’s almost like she’s trying to become a coach,” he joked. “She’s asking the right questions, suggesting ideas — why can’t you try this, this, and this? It’s amazing to see her mind working.”

Swift’s involvement with the Chiefs began in 2023 when she attended multiple games in support of her new relationship with Kelce. As she became more visible at games, Swift’s influence helped the Chiefs transcend from being just a popular team in the U.S. to one with a truly global fan base. “The team went from being a nationwide team that was kind of global to a full global, worldwide team — and that came from Taylor’s fan base,” Mahomes explained.

Swift’s dedication to supporting Kelce and the Chiefs was evident last season when she attended 13 games, often racing back from her Eras tour performances, including returning from Tokyo just in time to watch the Chiefs win the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February 2024.

In addition to her relationship with Kelce, Swift has also formed a close bond with Mahomes’ wife, Brittany Mahomes. The pair are often seen together at games, fueling the connection between the Swift and Chiefs communities even further.

While some NFL fans initially speculated that Swift’s presence could be a distraction, Mahomes was quick to shut down those concerns. “The team enjoyed having her around, and we ended up winning it all,” he said. Swift’s effect on the team and its fandom became a topic of debate, but in Mahomes’ eyes, her presence was nothing but positive.

Swift’s fans, known for their enthusiastic support, tuned in to see her at games and even brought signs to stadiums in tribute to the pop superstar. With her immense following now tuned into the NFL, Swift brought a new perspective and energy to Chiefs games, amplifying their fanbase across the globe.

As the Chiefs gear up for another season, Mahomes, Kelce, and Swift’s partnership continues to highlight the intersection of pop culture and sports, proving that even in the NFL, star power can transcend beyond the game itself.