The NFL and pop culture worlds collided yet again as Bills quarterback Josh Allen made headlines with his picturesque engagement to actress-singer Hailee Steinfeld over the weekend. Allen, 28, proposed against a scenic backdrop adorned with a flower arch and candles, sharing the moment on Instagram to the delight of fans-and a “like” from Taylor Swift herself.
While congratulations poured in, it didn’t take long for attention to shift to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Fans wasted no time urging Kelce, 35, to follow Allen’s lead and propose to Swift, 34. One commenter on Kelce’s congratulatory Instagram post wrote, “You next,” while another cheekily added, “Your move bro.”
Kelce and Swift’s whirlwind romance has been the talk of both NFL circles and pop culture headlines since they were first linked in September 2023. Their relationship has sparked fan theories, social media frenzy, and constant speculation about their future together.
The Grammy-winning artist’s presence at Chiefs games-most recently their 19-17 victory over the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium-has only fueled the media storm. Swift’s support for Kelce during his games has led to record-breaking NFL viewership numbers, with some dubbing her attendance the ultimate good-luck charm for the Chiefs.
Allen and Steinfeld’s big moment
Meanwhile, Allen’s engagement to Steinfeld added a new layer of intrigue. The couple, first spotted together in May 2023, has kept much of their relationship private. However, the proposal marked a public declaration of their bond, drawing attention from fans, including Swift herself, who “liked” the engagement announcement on Instagram.
Steinfeld and Swift share a history as close friends. The actress appeared in Swift’s star-studded music video for “Bad Blood” in 2014, which has added another dimension to the ongoing Kelce-Swift engagement chatter.
For fans of Kelce and Swift, Allen’s engagement seemed like a cue for the Chiefs star to make his own romantic move. Social media was ablaze with fans speculating on whether Kelce might pop the question soon, especially with Swift’s blockbuster Eras Tour set to conclude next week in Vancouver.
“Travis has to be next-imagine the engagement of the century!” one Twitter user wrote. Others pointed out the symmetry between Kelce’s and Allen’s high-profile relationships, joking that Kelce needed to “step up his game.”
A season of high stakes
While the romance speculation dominates headlines, Kelce and Allen remain focused on their respective seasons. The Chiefs, fresh off a narrow victory over the Raiders, are preparing for a crucial December stretch to maintain their playoff positioning.
Meanwhile, Allen and the Bills, who handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season in Week 11, face a wintry challenge against the 49ers on “Sunday Night Football” this weekend in Buffalo.
What’s Next for Kelce and Swift?
As Swift prepares to wrap up her Eras Tour and Kelce continues his quest for another Super Bowl, fans are left wondering if an engagement is on the horizon. Whether or not Kelce follows Allen’s lead remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NFL’s most-watched couple isn’t stepping out of the spotlight anytime soon.