It has come to the attention of some entertainment magazines and tabloid columns that, yes, practice is mandatory in the NFL — even if your girlfriend is having a big birthday bash in New York.
That’s why headlines poured out this week after outlets learned that Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce was not in attendance for Taylor Swift’s birthday party in New York City on Wednesday. The reason, they cited: “Mandatory” practice Wednesday in order to prepare for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
Also, Kelce reportedly almost hit a squirrel with his car.
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Patriots-Chiefs anti-analysis
I’m not here to analyze the Patriots game this Sunday. That sounds like actual work Chris Mason, Mark Daniels, Karen Guregian or Matt Vautour would do (suckers). Instead, I’m here to point out 5-10 observations and general tidbits that have at least a tangential connection to Sunday’s game.
1. Breaking News: Travis Kelce missed Taylor Swift’s birthday to prepare for Sunday’s Patriots game
In case you missed it — and if you have, lucky you — Travis Kelce is dating Taylor Swift. The power couple has generated a rumor mill and news cycle that’s long since escaped the familiar territory of sports.
That’s right. The tabloids and entertainment sites have been all over the Kelce-Swift news all season long.
That brings us to Wednesday night, when Swift held a star-studded party to celebrate her 34th birthday. The entertainment sites had complete coverage, from what Swift was wearing and the way she was walking with her “BFF” Selena Gomez.
Kelce’s absence was noted — a lot — to the point where the Daily Mail was promoting a photo of him arriving to practice Wednesday morning in Kansas City as an exclusive story. The outlet also made sure to highlight that the star tight end almost hit a squirrel with his Rolls Royce.
Ultimately, the blame for Kelce’s absence fell on him needed to attend “mandatory” practices ahead of Sunday’s game against the Patriots. Here’s how various tabloids and entertainment sites wrote about it:
TMZ: “Travis had a very good excuse for skipping out … the Kansas City Chiefs tight end had mandatory football practice for his upcoming game Sunday against the New England Patriots.”
New York Post: “The NFL star was back in Kansas City as the Chiefs prepare to take on the Patriots in New England on Sunday.”
PEOPLE: “Travis Kelce is staying focused on football as he and his team prepare for their game against the New England Patriots on Sunday. … The NFL star will be in Kansas City for mandatory practices Wednesday, PEOPLE has confirmed.”
Vanity Fair: “Swift’s beau was reportedly in Kansas City for a mandatory practice ahead of this Sunday’s Chiefs game against the New England Patriots.
Daily Mail: “Kelce stayed in Kansas* to record his podcast and get ready for the Chief’s game against the Patriots this weekend.”
(*It’s unclear whether the Daily Mail made a typo here or mistakenly placed Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas — instead of Kansas City, Missouri.)
2. Speaking of Taylor Swift, I may have broken Bill O’Brien with a question about her earlier this week
Excuse me while I do a little self-promotion. On Tuesday, Patriots assistant coaches held press conferences with reporters over video calls. During the call with offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, I decided to have a little fun.
So I started to ask what I hoped sounded like a football question — before swerving and asking about Taylor Swift. Here’s how that went:
O’Malley: “You mentioned earlier, the Chiefs, having some questions of who they’re going to have available when they come to Foxborough over the weekend. And from what we’ve seen over the season, they present a particular challenge for teams logistically, especially on road games. I want to ask you if you and the Patriots organization in general had a plan in place if Taylor Swift is going to be at the game on Sunday.
O’Brien: “Yeah, I don’t know. I don’t even know how to answer that. It is… Look, I’ll follow Bill’s lead on that. We’re very focused on the Chiefs. Trying to game plan for their defense is hard enough as it is, not really focused on Taylor Swift. But, yeah. I don’t even know how to ans
3. Bailey Zappe wants to make it clear, he does not hate Taylor Swift
During a Monday appearance on WEEI, Zappe was asked by co-host Meghan Ottolini if he was a Taylor Swift fan.
“No ma’am,” he responded.
“This is not a shot at Taylor Swift, “Zappe clarified. I’m not like not a fan, I just don’t listen to that music.”
On Wednesday, he was asked about the quote and wanted to make it very clear — before the Swifties on the internet came for him — he does not hate Taylor Swift.
“Okay, so, listen to the whole quote,” Zappe said.” I said I’m not not a fan. I used to be a fan. I’m a country guy. I listen to country music. She used to be country. There was times where, of course, Taylor Swift’s country songs came on. I’d listen to it. Now she’s moved over to pop. I’m not a pop guy. So, I’m a fan. I just don’t listen to that type of music. So, just to clear that up in there.”
4. The Bill Belichick Non-Answer of the Week
This week, “I’m getting ready for Kansas City” became the new “We’re on to Cincinnati” as Belichick was asked repeatedly about his job status in New England.
Here’s how that went:
Question: “Do you have an understanding that Robert (Kraft) will not ask you to be back for the next year?”
Belichick: “I’m getting ready for Kansas City. That’s what I’m doing.”
Question: “Do you want to keep coaching? Is that something that you want to continue to do?”
Belichick: “Yeah, I’m getting ready for Kansas City.”
Question: “I understand that you’re getting ready for Kansas City, but have you and Robert discussed your future beyond this season?”
Belichick: “Getting ready for Kansas City.”
5. Name of the Week: WR Skyy Moore
Not to be confused with former Colts linebacker Skai Moore.
6. The “He Plays for That Team Now?” Player of the Week: QB Blaine Gabbert
The 34-year-old Gabbert has had a fascinating career. He started out as the No. 10 overall pick if the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011. After flaming out there, he’s gone on to have a solid career as a journeyman quarterback. Before signing with Kansas City this year, Gabbert spent four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, three of which involved playing behind Tom Brady.
