LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: NFL Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Charles Woodson believe that the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance has not impacted the footballer's career and performance but claim the NFL has effectively used it to attract viewers.
The icons addressed the hot topic while speaking to the Daily Mail during the Culinary Kickoff Grand Prix at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on November 16.
The 33-year-old singer reportedly started dating the Kansas City Chiefs tight end in September. Since then, their relationship has continued to be in the headlines, with the public scrutinizing the couple's every move.
NFL is all about visibility, says Emmitt Smith
According to Smith, Kelce has not gained any special attention by dating the pop star. When asked about the increase in the advertisements he does, the NFL legend denied it, saying he "filmed those (commercials) before they were together. He was already big."
He transparently talked about how the NFL made profits with the couple. "The TV and NFL is all about revenue and clicks and visibility. So it's great for TV because TV got content that they can talk about. It's great for NFL, they got stuff that they could talk about and try to bring more fans in. So from a financial standpoint it works for them. But Travis and Taylor are not benefiting from all affairs."
Therefore, Swift is attracting a whole new audience with no previous interest in football to tune in to the channels and watch the game, he noted.
Travis Kelce will continue to work hard, says Charles Woodson
According to the Oakland Raiders legend, Kelce is currently in a world he is unprepared for; however, he follows the saying ''Keep the main thing the main thing."
"As long as it doesn't affect playing, training, and regiments - then it is not affecting him as a player. He just keeps doing what he is doing to be a better player, and he is doing that. As soon as it starts to affect that, then you have a problem," Woodson said.
He added that he truly believes that the two-time Super Bowl champion is "a guy that wants to be considered to be the best player in the position and he will continue to work as hard as he can without the extra celebrity level."
Smith joined the conversation, saying, "A lot of people want to get into that number one seat but they do not understand what the pressures are. (You have to) spend your life preparing to be in that seat and understanding the pressures. So when you get in that seat, you do not stop."
The ex-Dallas Cowboys star also appreciated the couple for handling the limelight well. "They are doing well. I am happy for them. I wish them both well. They are enjoying life. I understand what both of them are dealing with. Most people don't."
Swift is currently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the international leg of her Eras Tour. She will perform at the Estadio Nilton Santos on November 19 and 20. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles on November 21.
Smith and Woodson's take on the Kelce-Swift romance comes amidst the latest reports that the couple's parents are all set to meet in Swift's absence during the Chiefs-Eagles game in Kansas City.
