EXCLUSIVE: Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift romance is GOOD for football and the haters should lay off the Chiefs star tight end, say NFL greats Emmitt Smith and Charles Woodson

Taylor Swift has no say in her boyfriend’s NFL career and achievements, despite some fans hating the couple’s high-profile romance. Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs has handled the global publicity brilliantly while maintaining his high standards on the field. But the NFL has effectively used the couple’s love to win over more viewers over the objections of a growing number of fans.

That’s the view of NFL icons and Hall Of Famers Emmitt Smith and Charles Woodson, who have opened up exclusively to Ny Breaking about the most controversial talking point in sports.

While the couple’s parents were scheduled to meet in her absence during Monday’s Chiefs-Eagles game in Kansas City, Smith praised Swift and Kelce for the way they’ve handled the global publicity. The ex-Dallas Cowboys legend believes Kelce is balancing his off-field romance with his performance despite the pressure to be “in the top spot.”

Smith, the league’s all-time leading rusher, has clapped back at haters over NFL broadcasts featuring the pair so frequently – and insists it brings in new fans. Friend and Oakland Raiders legend Woodson also stood up for Kelce against critics, who criticized his personal life and interfered with his football.

Woodson senses Kelce’s determination burning brighter than ever – and Swift supports and encourages that desire, without any ill effects. The pair opened up on the hottest talking point in the NFL during a special Las Vegas F! Culinary Kick Off Event.

According to reports, Kelce and Swift will take their romance to the next level on Monday, with their parents set to meet at Arrowhead Stadium, where his Chiefs will take on his brother Jason’s Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch.

Oakland Raiders legend Woodson believes their rise to fame is like never before seen in NFL history. The 47-year-old former defensive star said: “He’s in a world he’s not ready for. ‘So I would say: good luck.

“But we have a saying: ‘Keep the bottom line, the bottom line.’ And he does.

‘As long as it doesn’t affect the game, the training and the regiments, it doesn’t affect him as a player. He just keeps doing what he’s doing to become a better player, and he does. ‘As soon as it starts to influence that, you have a problem.

“But I truly believe he is a guy who wants to be considered the best player at the position and will continue to work as hard as he can without the added level of celebrity.”

Smith added, “Most people want to live that life until they get into it.

‘A lot of people want to be number one, but don’t understand what the pressure is. (You have to) prepare your whole life to sit in that chair and understand the pressure. So when you get on that chair, you don’t stop. They’re doing well. I’m happy for them. ‘I wish them both the best. They enjoy life.

“I understand what they’re both dealing with. Most people don’t.’

While it appears that Kelce is appearing in more TV commercials and advertising roles, Smith says that is not the case. He believes that corporations, the media and the NFL all use their luck to promote their businesses and make money. Smith, 54, said: “He filmed those (commercials) before they were together. He was already big.

“If these two are in love, kudos. The best I can tell you is: enjoy it. “I’ve lived that life and seen how this story plays out. I never said it wasn’t good (as a relationship), but everyone exploits you.

‘You gain visibility and that makes you more valuable.

“TV and the NFL are all about revenue, clicks and visibility. So it’s great for TV because TV has content that they can talk about. It’s great for the NFL, they have things to talk about and are trying to bring in more fans. So from a financial point of view it works for them. But Travis and Taylor don’t benefit from everything.”

He believes that at some point the couple will want privacy, which could be a challenge.

‘The light is bright. Sometimes you have to dim that light. There will be tensions at some point and they will want their privacy. So for them it will be about when is enough enough? ‘Because it will never be enough for people who want more content.’

Woodson and Smith both believe the couple has thrived in the spotlight.

Ex-Raiders star Woodson says Kelce will now become a star of show business – not just sports. ‘Good for him. It’s going to pay off astronomically. When you date the biggest celebrity in the world, it takes his fame to a whole new level.

“But it’s like, ‘How do you deal with it?’

‘I don’t know her, but I can imagine.

“I hope she says, ‘Hey, you have your thing and when it’s time, we’ll do ours.’ Woodson and Smith spoke at the Culinary Kickoff Grand Prix, which featured food and drinks from some of Vegas’ top chefs, including Todd English, Belle English, Aaron May, Rick Moonen and Antwan Ellis.

The pair were warmly welcomed on stage together with fellow Hall Of Famer Warren Moon.

Smith exclusively revealed that he will open his own restaurant – Emmitt’s Steakhouse – near The Fashion Mall on the strip in January.

Smiling Smith revealed: ‘Food brings families and friends together – allowing camaraderie and socialization to take place.

“We’ll have steak and seafood, great desserts and the drinks will be phenomenal and provide an experience for people to come back.”

“Vegas is growing. Sports and entertainment, good food and great nightlife, that’s what this city is all about. So why not be a part of it?

“And I plan on being at the restaurant and popping in because I come here 20 times a year.”

Woodson, who promoted his Kentucky bourbon at the Ava Rose PR event, added that his passion burns brightly in the celebrity-promoted world of alcohol brands.

‘I get a lot of satisfaction from it, but it is a tough business.

‘I put a lot of my capital into it, understood early on what it is about and what it takes.’