Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson revealed how his teammates teased Travis Kelce for his 2016 dating show, “Catching Kelce,” in the locker room. Johnson shared his insights with Fox News Digital, highlighting the team’s ability to maintain focus on football despite the personal attention Kelce received. “He tried not to [talk about the show in the locker room] but we kind of teased him at times,” Johnson said, noting that the team understood the need to stay focused on their duties under coach Andy Reid. Johnson emphasized that Kelce was a dedicated player who remained committed to his craft, even while managing his personal life.
Kelce’s dating show, which aired in 2016, was an unusual venture for a professional athlete. The show challenged him to date one woman from each state, with the goal of finding a girlfriend. While the show garnered attention, Kelce’s teammates were more concerned with his performance on the field. Johnson noted that while some locker room jokes were made about the show, the team remained professional, prioritizing their football responsibilities.”When it came to football, it was all business,” Johnson said, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus during the NFL season.
Much like his on-field success, Kelce’s personal life has also seen its share of highlights. He chose Maya Benberry, a contestant from Kentucky, as his girlfriend after the show. However, his relationship with model Kayla Nicole lasted five years until they reportedly split in 2022. Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift began in 2023, marking a significant shift in his personal life. Johnson, who left the Chiefs for the Raiders in 2018, viewed the union between Kelce and Swift as a ‘power couple,’ acknowledging their influence in different fields. “Kelce’s big time as well, football-wise, but she is globally,” Johnson said, reflecting on their combined status.
Johnson’s insights also highlighted the growth of Kelce as a player. He recalled how the team had initially been unsure of Kelce’s potential, but as Kelce progressed through his career, his abilities became evident. “None of us knew who he could really be. He probably didn’t know it at all either,” Johnson said. “Once he got going after his second year, third year, I was like, ‘This guy is the man!’” Johnson’s comments provide a glimpse into the locker room dynamics and the respect that Kelce earned from his teammates over the years.