Legendary Tennessee Vols player Trey Smith expresses his true feelings regarding Taylor Swift’s presence among the Chiefs.
Trey Smith, an offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, has had a career that has seen him rise to NFL prominence in a short amount of time. Known for his tenacity and leadership on the field, the former Tennessee Vols star has made a name for himself not only in the NFL but also in the hearts of Chiefs fans who see him as a cornerstone of their offensive line. However, this time, Smith is stepping away from the gridiron to address a different kind of attention—a topic that’s taken the sports and entertainment world by storm: Taylor Swift’s presence around the Kansas City Chiefs, particularly her rumored relationship with Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce.
The relationship between Taylor Swift and the Chiefs’ tight end has dominated headlines since rumors first surfaced. Whether it’s the packed stadiums during games or the constant media buzz surrounding the pair, Swift’s presence has turned the Chiefs’ locker room into a veritable epicenter of cultural significance. It’s a topic that has both fans and players offering their own opinions, and Trey Smith, a Tennessee Vols legend turned NFL powerhouse, is no exception. In a candid interview, Smith opened up about his feelings on Swift’s connection to the team and how it’s impacted the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynamic.
For Smith, the introduction of Taylor Swift into the Chiefs’ orbit has been both surreal and exhilarating. He admits that, as a football player, he had never imagined he’d share a locker room with players who would become part of pop culture history. “I’ve always known the game is bigger than just football,” Smith said. “But when you’ve got someone like Taylor Swift showing up to games, singing the national anthem, and having that kind of cultural presence… it’s mind-blowing.”
Growing up in the heart of Tennessee, Smith was used to football being the king of sports. The Vols’ rich history had instilled in him a love for the game that no other sport could touch. Yet, with Swift’s arrival to Kansas City, he quickly recognized the unique convergence of sports and celebrity in a way that transcended the usual superstar-athlete dynamic. “Taylor Swift isn’t just a celebrity,” Smith continues. “She’s a global icon. And having her around the Chiefs—it changes the energy. It brings a whole new level of attention to what we do.”
Though it’s certainly no surprise that Swift’s involvement with the Chiefs has caused a media frenzy, Smith is clear that he’s not one to be swept away by the pop culture storm. “Football is still the focus for us. At the end of the day, it’s about the game. Taylor’s been around the team and Travis [Kelce], and that’s fine, but we’re here to do one thing: win football games.”
While Smith is certainly aware of the headlines generated by Swift’s apparent relationship with Kelce, he maintains a respectful, somewhat reserved view of the situation. “People are curious about Travis and Taylor. That’s human nature,” Smith observes. “But we’re a family in this locker room, and what happens outside of it doesn’t change our chemistry inside it.”
Smith, a key figure in protecting Patrick Mahomes and helping the offense execute plays, doesn’t seem overly concerned with the attention that Swift’s presence has brought to the team. He’s quick to point out, however, that the media’s fascination with the relationship has brought both positives and challenges. “There’s a lot more distractions when there’s that much media attention,” he admits. “And while it can be fun, it can also take away from the task at hand. But Travis is a pro. He’s not letting that stuff affect him, and neither are we.”
For Smith, it’s all about keeping the focus where it belongs—on football. The Chiefs are a team that has consistently battled for Super Bowl titles, and that requires a laser focus on the field, not a media circus off it. “I think Travis has handled it the way any pro would. It’s not easy with that kind of attention, but he’s here to do a job. We’re all here to do a job.”
As a former standout at the University of Tennessee, Smith brings an interesting perspective to the conversation. The Vols are no strangers to national attention, but the intensity of media surrounding NFL teams, especially one as high-profile as the Chiefs, is on an entirely different level. Smith reflects on his time at Tennessee, noting that while the Vols had their own cultural cachet, the NFL is a whole new ballgame.
“Back in Tennessee, we had some big names. We had guys who were known, and we had fans who were passionate. But nothing compares to the NFL and the global scope of the Chiefs,” he says. “You get Taylor Swift showing up, and it’s like you’ve entered a different universe. It’s wild to see that kind of attention turn in our direction.”
Despite the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the Chiefs, Smith credits his college roots for giving him the grounded perspective necessary to keep his focus where it needs to be. “At Tennessee, we were taught that football is family, and you protect the family. You do the dirty work. You do whatever it takes to help your team succeed. That hasn’t changed for me now. It’s just on a bigger stage.”
Smith’s time at Tennessee was marked by hard-fought battles in the SEC and a commitment to building the kind of toughness that NFL players are known for. That commitment to discipline, combined with the intensity of the NFL, has helped Smith maintain his composure through the media frenzy surrounding the Chiefs.
In the locker room, Smith is known as a leader. His presence on the offensive line has been a key part of protecting Mahomes and creating a stable environment for the offense to thrive. When asked if Taylor Swift’s presence has had any impact on the locker room itself, Smith is clear: “No. Our job is to win. Period. She’s not here to play football. She’s not in the locker room with us. We’re here to win games, and that’s the bottom line.”
While Smith doesn’t believe the media spectacle surrounding Swift and Kelce has created any issues within the team, he acknowledges that it has affected how the Chiefs are perceived by outsiders. “You get used to the noise, but it’s hard to ignore it entirely. It’s like a second job being in the public eye, and it’s something you’ve got to learn to deal with.”
Smith remains unfazed, staying focused on the team’s ultimate goal: another Super Bowl title. He admits that distractions are inevitable, especially when you have celebrities and global stars attached to your team. However, he believes in the maturity of the Chiefs’ roster to weather any storm. “We’ve got a locker room full of leaders who know how to handle the noise. It’s not a problem for us.”
While Trey Smith is respectful of the attention surrounding Taylor Swift and Kelce, he isn’t shy about offering his personal thoughts on the matter. “I think it’s cool, to be honest,” he says with a smile. “Taylor Swift is a legend. Her influence goes way beyond music. So to have her showing up at our games, supporting Travis, it’s a good look for the team. The fans are excited, and I get it.”
However, Smith is quick to emphasize that, at the end of the day, the Chiefs are focused on what they do best—playing football. “When it comes to Taylor and Travis, I’m happy for them if they’re happy. But we’re here for one reason. To win games.”
Trey Smith’s reflections on Taylor Swift’s presence among the Chiefs reveal a level of professionalism and focus that is often rare in the world of celebrity-driven sports media. While the spotlight may shine brighter on the Chiefs due to their association with one of the world’s biggest pop stars, Smith’s commitment to football remains unwavering.
In an era where celebrity and sports often collide in ways that can distract from the game itself, Smith and his teammates seem to have struck the right balance—embracing the attention without letting it overshadow their mission. For Trey Smith, the real story is not about the media frenzy but about what happens on the field. And with his leadership, the Chiefs can be confident that, despite the headlines, they’re still a team focused on one thing: winning football games.
