When gunfire erupted during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl championship parade in February 2024, a moment meant for celebration turned into tragedy. One person was killed, and 22 others were injured as chaos unfolded in downtown Kansas City, leaving a lasting impact on the city and everyone connected to the team.
Amid the confusion, Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire unexpectedly found himself serving as a link between the scene and Taylor Swift, who was overseas at the time. Now, as Travis Kelce weighs a potential return for a 14th NFL season, Edwards-Helaire is looking back on that harrowing day and the years-long friendship that placed him at the center of such a surreal moment.
Taylor Swift’s Surprising Call From Across the Globe That Stunned Fans
Swift was on her Eras Tour in Australia when her security team woke her with news of the shooting. According to Kansas City Star columnist Vahe Gregorian, Swift tried to reach Kelce but couldn’t get through. Kelce was ill and had been “overserved” during the Super Bowl celebrations and wasn’t answering his phone.
Edwards-Helaire picked up instead. He reassured Swift that Kelce was safe following the shooting near Union Station while the chaos was still unfolding in Kansas City. Reflecting on the moment, Edwards-Helaire said stepping in felt natural, adding that it was exactly what Kelce would have done for him.
The exchange was not forgotten. In June 2024, when Edwards-Helaire got married, Swift arranged for her jet to fly Kelce back from Europe so he could attend the wedding. “‘Bro, you don’t have to,’” Edwards-Helaire recalled telling Kelce. Kelce replied, “Nah, Taylor’s already sending me. It’s good.”
Related: Shohei Ohtani Brings Decoy To Dodger Stadium For Heartwarming Offseason Workout
Edwards-Helaire said the gesture showed Swift understood the depth of his relationship with Kelce, whom he refers to as his “big brother,” as the tight end considers his future in football. That bond began in 2020, when Kelce took Edwards-Helaire under his wing during the running back’s rookie training camp. Over time, their relationship grew beyond football, especially as Edwards-Helaire navigated mental health challenges.
“In a lot of those times kind of dealing with my mental health, it seemed like nobody else noticed,” Edwards-Helaire told reporters. “And he did, you know?”
Edwards-Helaire has spoken publicly about suffering from PTSD related to a 2018 incident in which he and his best friend shot and killed an 18-year-old who was attempting to rob them. He said Kelce, and at times teammate Kadarius Toney, could sense when he was struggling.
“They’ll know like ahead of time like, ‘Okay, Clyde might not — he’s not laughing, he’s not giggling, he’s not himself,’” Edwards-Helaire said.
As Kelce contemplates retirement, Edwards-Helaire emphasized that the tight end’s influence extends far beyond the field. “It’s one of those things that helped me establish a lot of the things that I feel like I am as a team player and a person today,” he said.
Donna Kelce Subtly Endorses Taylor Swift While Taking Swipe At Travis Kelce’s Ex
Donna Kelce offered rare insight into her thoughts on Taylor Swift while responding to a pointed question ahead of her appearance on The Traitors US. The mother of Travis Kelce was asked who she would least like to compete against on the reality series, and her answer quickly drew attention.
In a preview clip shared on the New Heights podcast’s X account, Kelce said she would prefer to avoid “some of my sons’ adversaries.” She clarified that could include players from rival teams, coaches, or “past girlfriends”, a remark widely interpreted as a subtle acknowledgment of Swift and a clear boundary regarding Travis Kelce’s previous relationships.
Donna is reinventing herself here in Scotland 🏰
— The Traitors US (@TheTraitorsUS) January 9, 2026
A new season #TheTraitorsUS is streaming now on Peacock. pic.twitter.com/OhaNgnFXd4
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have been together since the summer of 2023 and announced their engagement in August 2025. Kelce proposed with a 10-carat diamond ring, cementing one of the most high-profile relationships in sports and entertainment. Swift has frequently attended Chiefs games alongside Donna Kelce, reflecting a close and comfortable bond between the two.
Donna’s recent comments also appeared to reference Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole, with whom he had an on-and-off relationship from 2017 to 2022. Before that, Kelce previously dated social media personality Maya Benberry. Donna’s remarks suggested a clear distinction between her son’s past relationships and his current fiancée.
In Case You Missed: Donald Trump Endorses John Harbaugh As ‘Total Winner,’ Urges NFL Teams To Hire Him After Ravens Exit
Donna Kelce is set to appear on the latest season of The Traitors US, streaming on Peacock. She joins a diverse cast that includes comedian Rob Funches, reality television personality Maura Higgins, Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, and Big Brother alum Tiffany Mitchell.
She revealed that her decision to join the show was encouraged by her sons, Travis and Jason Kelce. “They’re so excited. They’re huge fans,” Donna said. “I’m so excited to be here. I never thought in a million years I would get this chance.”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Donna noted that this stage of life inspired her to seek out new experiences. “When you get to a certain part in your life, and your kids are starting their own families, it’s so important to reinvent yourself. Do the things you’ve always dreamt of,” she said. “And that’s how I ended up in Scotland.”
