The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

‘Kelce’ becomes number one dog name in US, according to report

Travis Kelce travelled to Argentina over the weekend to kick off Taylor Swift’s international leg of Eras Tour

Kaleigh Werner
New York
Thursday 16 November 2023 20:10 GMT
Comments
Why Travis Kelce Apologized To Taylor Swift’s Dad

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

People are all riled up over Travis Kelce – and they’re getting their pets involved too.

While some argue the increased obsession with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end is due to “The Swift Effect,” the Grammy winner’s inadvertent ability to make anyone and anything the new fad, football devotees are adding to the squabble in saying the professional athlete has been a fan favourite in the sports realm for years. Regardless, there’s no denying Kelce, 34, has been heading pop culture discussion for months.

Apparently, dog owners are taking part in the mania as well. The pet-sitting service, Rover, recently reported that “Kelce” is the number one trending dog name in the US. What’s more, the moniker is being used 135 per cent more than it was last year for four-legged furry friends.

Rover’s website attributed the increase to the football star and his brother Jason Kelce’s increased presence since facing off against each other in the NFL championship game, and the younger brother being associated with the “Anti-Hero” singer.

Though there’s no telling whether Swift can take majority responsibility for this uptick in pet parents’ using the Kelce name, the NFL saw a substantial spike in viewership once the powerhouse vocalist was seen cheering inside Arrowhead Stadium.

After the “August” artist showed face at MetLife Stadium for Kelce’s 1 October game against the New York Jets, Deadline reported that NBC accumulated an average of 27m viewers, with an added two million in the second quarter.

And if that’s not enough to convince sports enthusiasts of “The Swift Effect,” Kelce’s Chiefs jersey sales have allegedly increased by 400 per cent, per a Fanatics report. Fans even dressed as the sought-after couple for Halloween this year, donning Kelce merch and one of Swift’s emblem outfits from her Eras Tour.

Speaking of the 33-year-old musician’s global tour, Swift kicked off the international leg of her stadium tour in Argentina last week, and of course, Kelce was in attendance. The beloved athlete danced alongside Swift’s dad and waited for the “Cruel Summer” vocalist backstage after the show.

The duo also shared their first public kiss on 11 November. Kelce was seen waiting patiently for Swift to say goodnight to her screaming fans. Once Swift headed backstage, she made a break for it straight into Kelce’s waiting arms, wrapping around him.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in