Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has provocatively suggested that the so-called 'Taylor Swift curse' is a factor behind the Kansas City Chiefs' dramatic failure to reach the NFL playoffs this season. This marks the first time the Chiefs have missed the postseason since 2014, a streak ended by a crushing 16-13 loss to the LA Chargers.
The End of a Dynasty and Kelce's Crossroads
The Chiefs' unexpected elimination has plunged the franchise into unfamiliar territory and sparked intense speculation over the future of star tight end Travis Kelce. The fiancé of global music icon Taylor Swift must now decide whether to return for a 14th season or retire from professional football. According to Nacua, the team's fortunes might improve without Swift's high-profile presence in the stands at Arrowhead Stadium.
During a live stream with popular YouTubers Adin Ross and N3on, Nacua was asked to analyse the collapse of the Chiefs' recent dynasty. He first pointed to practical on-field issues. "I mean, they didn't have Rashee Rice who's their other receiver this year," Nacua stated. "I don't feel like they ran the ball well. [Isiah] Pacheco was their running back, right? I don't feel like he played really good."
Nacua's Tongue-in-Cheek 'Curse' Theory
The Rams star then light-heartedly offered another explanation, much to the amusement of his hosts. "It's got to be the Swift curse or something like that, I don't know... after they ran out of a little bit of the juice," he quipped.
The notion of a 'curse' is intriguing, given that Kansas City won the Super Bowl in February 2024 with Swift cheering from the sidelines. They then narrowly missed achieving a historic 'three-peat' last season. However, Swift has maintained a notably lower profile at games this year, even arriving at one match hidden behind a giant screen to evade photographers.
Security Concerns and a Summer Wedding
This increased discretion is linked to genuine safety fears. A source told the Daily Mail in October that Swift desired greater protection due to ongoing stalker issues. "Taylor has wanted to feel much more protected this year with her security," the insider said. "She doesn't want her whereabouts known every minute of the day. She wants to be safe and she wants her family and friends to be safe."
These concerns were underscored in September when Swift was granted a five-year restraining order against an alleged stalker, Brian Jason Wagner. The 45-year-old was accused of repeatedly appearing at her home and sending threatening messages, which Swift said caused her to live in "a fear of imminent harm."
Amid this backdrop, Swift and Kelce are poised to marry next summer after their engagement in August. A major question now looms: will Kelce still be an active NFL player when he walks down the aisle, or will he choose to retire following the Chiefs' disappointing season?
