Football

The Swifties seemingly rushed to get their Travis Kelce merch after Taylor was spotted supporting her new potential love interest at Sunday's game ... 'cause the Kansas City Chiefs superstar's jerseys are flying off the shelves!!

TMZ Sports has learned -- Kelce's No. 87 threads were among the most popular items on the NFL Shop on Sunday ... this according to Fanatics, the league's official e-commerce partner.

"Yesterday, Travis Kelce was one of the top 5 selling NFL players and saw a nearly 400% spike in sales throughout the Fanatics network of sites, including NFLShop.com," Fanatics tells us.

While it's impossible to tell who exactly made all the purchases, the massive increase in jersey sales comes on the heels of the "Anti-Hero" singer's visit to Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Chiefs whoop the Bears, 41-10.

So, yeah, it certainly feels like Taylor's fanbase is 'shipping' the duo ... and considering how passionate her following is, it wouldn't be shocking if the Swifties emptied their wallets to secure their new favorite athlete's jerseys.

Swift seemed right at home with Chiefs Kingdom as she watched the matchup in a suite alongside Kelce's mom, Donna ... despite being a longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Swift and Kelce ended up leaving the stadium together ... cruising away in his old-school convertible.

Taylor Swift is in tight with the Kansas City Chiefs now that she's linked to Travis Kelce -- and as a result of her proximity/influence ... one Native American group is making a big ask.

This all has to do with the famed "Tomahawk chop" that Chiefs fans are known to do during games -- which has become tradition -- to the chagrin of some activist groups, including one that was outside Arrowhead Stadium Sunday to protest the gesture.

This org is called Not In Our Honor, and it's headed up by Rhonda LeValdo, who was out there among other Native American activists and advocates with signage reflecting their demands ... namely, lose the chop and maybe even the team name.

She tells TMZ ... she and her group are making a direct plea to Taylor, now that she's got a seat at the proverbial table, saying ... "We remain hopeful that an outside influence like Ms. Swift could be an ally for us in moving the conversation forward on why the chop is a racist act."

LeValdo adds, "To us, that hand gesture is synchronized racism. We implore Ms. Swift to take the time to understand our perspective and the scientific and psychological research into the harm to youth and communities caused by such behavior."

Worth noting -- TS was on camera during one of the Tomahawk chops at Sunday's game ... but she didn't participate in it, despite many others around her doing so. Instead, she literally danced in place -- but it's unclear if that telegraphed how she feels.

The folks over at NIOH are hoping she's on the same page as them, with LeValdo further telling us she encourages people to read up on their history -- and that they realize the "Chop" is a continued mockery of their Native American heritage and past ... which is riddled with ugly chapters dating back to day 1, when their land was occupied by white settlers.

This issue is part of a much larger conversation as it pertains to sports. The Washington Commanders recently changed their team name amid mounting outrage, and ditto for the Cleveland Guardians. Until now, the Chiefs appear to have mostly escaped the criticism.

12:55 PM PT -- A source with direct knowledge tells us Taylor Swift did not sneak out of the suite, she walked out with Travis Kelce's family and their entourage.

Taylor Swift fans believe she went to great lengths to sneak out of the private suite where she was watching rumored boyfriend Travis Kelce play football ... Swifties think she left in a popcorn machine.

The fan theory is spreading like wildfire on social media Monday, with Swifties claiming Taylor was inside a large, metallic box that was being wheeled through the Arrowhead Stadium concourse, where tons of folks were waiting to catch a glimpse of TayTay.

Video shows a staffer wheeling the container as one Swiftie claims Taylor's inside the box. It's interesting there's a big bag of popcorn on top of the container instead of inside, plus a law enforcement officer keeping watch.

As you know, Taylor watched Travis' Kansas City Chiefs beat the Chicago Bears, 41-10, Sunday afternoon in KC ... showing up to support him shortly after being romantically linked to the team's star tight end.

Taylor cheered from a suite, where she was hanging out with Travis' mom ... and the two seemed to really get along.

After the game, Taylor and Travis walked out of the locker room area together ... but no one knows how she got from the suite to the stadium bowels without being seen ... hence the popcorn machine disguise theory.

Taylor wasn't too shy once she got near Travis ... they drove off in a convertible and had the top down too.

It's going to be interesting to see where things go for Taylor and Travis ... so get your popcorn ready.

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Former NFL star Jarrett Payton has no doubts about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce bein' a couple ... and that's coming from the guy who got the viral video of them leaving the Chiefs game together.

Jarrett, the son of football legend Walter Payton, joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday to talk about his experience capturing Taylor and Travis leaving Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium together ... and he's telling us why there's real chemistry between them.

Jarrett's quick clip has quite the story behind it -- he says he was on the field filming coverage for Chicago's WGN and was heading to the car when he was stopped by security and told to wait there while they dealt with something ... or someone.

Luckily, he says he was told to stay put in the hallway ... and the 2 strolled past him not long after that.

He also thinks Travis gave him a bit of a look while walking out -- a total "come on, dude" kind of glance -- but Jarrett admits was like a kid in the candy store.

As you know, the internet's been going nuts over Taylor and Travis leaving together ... and the singer was also having a blast in a private box with Travis' mom, Donna, just hours before.

And for those of you who are convinced the 2 are an item, it sounds like Jarrett's right there with you on that one.

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Antonio Brown has seen enough of Matt Canada's offense in Pittsburgh -- the controversial ex-NFL superstar just unloaded on the Steelers coach in a social media rant ... wildly comparing him to Adolf Hitler.

AB has been an outspoken critic of Canada recently ... ripping his former team over its scoring struggles this season, and even throwing out his interest in replacing the current offensive coordinator.

Brown continued his public bashing on Monday ... sharing a picture of Canada with Hitler's signature toothbrush mustache drawn on it and saying, "Adolf Canada."

The posts were understandably met with backlash ... with several users also pointing out they fell on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.

"Tweeting this is crazy," one follower replied ... while another added, "Yeah, this is wildly inappropriate. It's not even remotely funny."

The Steelers were able to score a few offensive touchdowns en route to a 23-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders ... but it's safe to say AB was still not satisfied with Canada's performance nonetheless.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have yet to make it home following their big win against the Raiders in Nevada .... their charter plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Monday morning -- stranding the team in Kansas City.

The Delta Airlines flight was grounded not long after it left Las Vegas following Pitt's 23-18 victory ... after the plane reportedly experienced oil pressure issues.

Thankfully, a Steelers spokesperson said in a tweet Monday morning that everyone on the flight is safe.

"We are making necessary plans to arrive back in Pittsburgh later today," they added.

Pittsburgh star Cam Heyward was able to joke about it all despite the scary nature of the scene ... poking fun at his teammate, Minkah Fitzpatrick, on his X account.

"Dang emergency landing in KC," he wrote. "I think it’s due to @minkfitz_21 'roughing the passer call' but seriously landing KC."

He later jokingly asked Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift to give him a ride from K.C. to Pennsylvania ... as the two just so happened to be in the area for the Chiefs star's game earlier in the day.

"Yo @taylorswift13 & @tkelce," the defensive lineman wrote, "we might need a ride to Pittsburgh."

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce didn't kiss Sunday ... they didn't hug or anything like that, but it's pretty clear, both during and after the game, they're a thing.

Taylor and Travis left Arrowhead Stadium Sunday after the big game in Kelce's sweet convertible. They apparently went to grab some grub, and according to social media buzz, paid to have an entire restaurant unto themselves. We cannot confirm that, yet!

As they left the stadium, they walked side-by-side around the locker room area, strolling past photogs and looking, well, couplie.

Taylor was all in during the game, cheering on Travis as she sat, and stood, and screamed next to Travis's mom.

There have been rumblings for over a month the 2 were dating, and weeks ago we got the sense the rumors were true.

So how does TRAYLOR sound?

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Travis Kelce was stepping out of the Chiefs game with Taylor Swift in an outfit that's named after one of her biggest albums, but here's the thing -- the duds were renamed AFTER he bought it ... let us explain.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was rocking the "1989 Bedroom Painting" denim jacket and pants as he left the stadium with Taylor after Sunday night's game.

KidSuper, the company that made the threads, revealed a bit of sneaky marketing after the game ... telling folks on X it was originally called "Bedroom Painting," but the album title was slapped on after Travis was spotted wearing it with Taylor.

Smart move for sure, as Swifties everywhere are wondering if his outfit was the smoking gun proving the relationship ... but it looks like the brand is behind all the commotion.

Taylor sent her fans into delirium Sunday night as she appeared at Arrowhead Stadium, watching Travis play as she sat -- and stood, and screamed -- with his mom!

We've heard for weeks this was not a publicity stunt ... they really have been dating. Sunday night should put all doubts to rest.

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Bill Belichick is clearly impressed with Travis Kelce's game on the field and off of it ... lauding the Chiefs star on Monday morning for his ability to apparently woo Taylor Swift!!!

"I would say Travis Kelce's had a lot of big catches in his career," the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach said, "this would be the biggest."

Belichick weighed in on the budding Swift-Kelce romance on "The Greg Hill Show" ... some 24 hours after the pop star was seen cheering on the K.C. tight end during his game at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Belichick, of course, is a huge Swiftie ... attending one of her concerts at Gillette Stadium earlier this year -- before praising her for her performance a few months later.

And, it's obvious he's happy for Kelce for seemingly locking down some 1-on-1, dating time with the "Karma" singer now.

It's not yet clear, however, where Kelce and Swift's relationship currently stands ... while she was in his box hanging with Donna Kelce during the game and then spotted leaving with him after the contest -- there was no PDA in sight.

Then again, the two were seen riding around Kansas City together later in the evening ... so maybe a love story is in the works after all -- something we know Belichick is ready to give Kelce some major props for!

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

And the Super Bowl Halftime winner is ... USHER!!!

Apple Music just made the big announcement, with the help of Kim Kardashian. If you believe in spontaneity ... you see Kim calling Usher for the big reveal. After all, she's now an actress!"

Super Bowl LVIII will go down at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, in February 2024.

There has been no announcement of other singers ... organizers typically wait until closer to the event to announce who else will be performing.

As you know, last year Rihanna performed at the Halftime Show and did it alone. Remember, her big reveal was that she was pregnant with Riot!

Los fans han estado pensando si ex grupos como *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys o Destiny's Child se subirán el escenario del Super Bowl este año, pero resulta que eso no va a suceder.

Fuentes con conocimiento directo dicen a TMZ que, a pesar de los rumores de que las tres icónicas bandas del pasado unirían fuerzas para el Super Bowl LVIII en Las Vegas, ese simplemente no es el caso.

Nos dicen que los grupos no han sido contactados y que tampoco hay conversaciones para hacerlo realidad.

Internet se volvió loco después de que se difundieran rumores de una posible actuación de *NSYNC y Destiny's Child en el gran partido del próximo año, y la ilusión se extendió un poco más para incluir a Backstreet Boys.

La nostalgia se disparó desde que *NSYNC se reuniera para los MTV VMAs y volviera a los estudios a grabar su primera canción en décadas para la nueva película 'Trolls'.

Fans have been thinking former groups *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Destiny's Child will all take the stage at this year's Super Bowl ... turns out, it's not gonna happen.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... despite rumors that the 3 iconic musical bands of the past will join forces for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, it's just not the case.

We're told the groups haven't been approached to perform, and no conversations are going down to turn it into reality.

The internet's been going nuts after rumors spread about *NSYNC and Destiny's Child being slated to perform at next year's big game ... and the dream expanded to include the Backstreet Boys.

The nostalgia train has really taken off since *NSYNC reunited at the MTV VMAs and got back in the booth to record the first song in decades for the new 'Trolls' flick.

San Francisco 49ers receiver Ray-Ray McCloud is making plays AND bringing the vibes in the latest edition of "Madden NFL 24" ... and the multi-talented athlete tells TMZ Sports he's stoked to have his music featured in the game -- calling it an absolute honor.

Ray-Ray and fellow NFL stars like Darren Waller, Terron Armstead and Melvin Ingram are the first active pros to ever get a spot on the game's official soundtrack ... with all six songs from their "Crowd Control" EP making the cut.

Ray-Ray tells us it's great to see his work get this kind of exposure ... considering he's been making music his entire life.

"For me, it was surreal just to do something I love on a game I've grew up playing my whole life," McCloud says.

Ray-Ray explains he's always had a passion for making tracks -- as his family has deep roots in music. He says getting this exposure is just the beginning for his career in the industry.

In fact, the former Clemson star said he has his own label and company in the works ... and he hopes to make a name for himself off the field.

Vince Vaugh definitivamente estaba en "modo película" este fin de semana, en la previa de algunos importantes partidos de fútbol universitario, y se puede notar por las icónicas referencias que hizo durante su aparición en televisión.

El legendario actor fue la celebridad invitada el sábado en el programa de ESPN, "College Game Day", lo que tiene sentido considerando que hicieron el programa desde el campus de Notre Dame, donde la universidad estaba lista para enfrentar a Ohio State.

Vince se presentó con una chaqueta de Notre Dame mientras se sentaba en el escenario junto a Pat McAfee, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard y los demás. Por supuesto, la razón por la que llevaba esa chaqueta era importante, era por "Rudy".

De hecho, Vince protagonizó la famosa película deportiva allá por 1993, junto a Sean Astin y Jon Favreau. Por supuesto, interpretó al jugador universitario Jamie O'Hara, y se aseguró de que todo el mundo lo recordara cuando eligió a Notre Dame para ganar a los Buckeyes en directo por televisión.

Mira cómo lo dijo Vince: "Los Buckeyes son de verdad, siempre. Nunca puedes dudar de ellos. Dicho esto, yo jugué para Notre Dame. Lancé un pase. Si tuviera la mitad del corazón de Rudy, habría sido All-American en vez de elegir partidos aquí con ustedes".

Vince no terminó de soltar frases populares de sus películas, y dijo que otra de sus favoritas era "Wedding Crashers".

Esta no está exactamente relacionada con el deporte, pero sin duda capta la mentalidad de un campeón. De eso no hay duda.

Vince Vaughn was definitely in movie mode this weekend ahead of some big college football games -- and you can tell by the iconic references he made during his televised picks.

The legendary actor was the featured celebrity guest Saturday on ESPN's "College GameDay" ... which made sense considering they did the show from Notre Dame's campus, this as the university was set to face off against Ohio State.

VV showed up locked and loaded ... rocking a ND letterman jacket as he sat up on the stage alongside Pat McAfee, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and the others. Of course, the reason him wearing the Notre Dame jacket was relevant was because of ... "Rudy."

Indeed, Vince starred in the famous sports flick ... way back in 1993, opposite Sean Astin and Jon Favreau. Of course, he played college QB Jamie O'Hara -- and made sure everyone remembered that when he picked ND to win over the Buckeyes on live TV.

Check out how Vince put it. He said, "The Buckeyes are for real, always. You can never doubt them. That being said, I played for Notre Dame -- I threw a pass. If I had half the heart of Rudy, I would have been All-American instead of picking games up here with you guys."

Vince wasn't done dropping famous lines from his movies, though ... he snuck a quick one in from another fan fave of his -- and that would be "Wedding Crashers."

Not perfectly sports-related, but certainly captures the mentality of a champion. No question about that.

Deion Sanders deserves more money than Nick Saban, Kirby Smart and every other coach in college football ... at least, that's what Jeremy Bloom is saying -- telling TMZ Sports Prime should get a new contract worth around $16 million per year!!!

Bloom said the deal should be in place for at least the next 10 years too ... explaining it's paramount the Buffs get the updated contract in front of their head coach ASAP to avoid him leaving for more cash elsewhere.

"You've got to put that in front of him," the former Colorado superstar receiver said. "Because right now, the buyout is just too small. Any team can come together, get a bunch of boosters, buy him out and give him some long-term deal."

Bloom is so nervous about losing the Buffs leader ... he actually said he'd be willing to contribute $100,000 of his own cash to kick off the fundraising for CU's new pact with Prime.

For now, though, Deion will be working for roughly $6 million a year ... after he inked a 5-year, $29.5 million contract to coach the Buffs this offseason.

Sanders, though, has been adamant that he's planning to stay at CU for the long haul new deal or not ... saying he really likes it in Boulder, and it's quickly becoming his home.

But, Bloom ain't ready to buy all that just yet ... telling us, "That's what coaches say. They feel it in the moment, until someone new comes to them and says, 'We're going to bet the whole farm on you.'"