Two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning says he’s seen Taylor Swift’s impact on the NFL firsthand.
The retired New York Giants quarterback made an appearance Good morning America to preview Monday night’s Super Bowl rematch between the Kelce brothers: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis and Philadelphia Eagles center Jason.
The conversation inevitably turned to Travis’ love interest, Taylor Swift, who has become a fixture at Chiefs games, much to the delight of Manning’s three daughters.
“I think it makes it fun,” Manning told GMA’s Robin Roberts. “I have three daughters, 12, 10 and 8. When the Chiefs play, they watch the game and look for Taylor. It ensures that they enjoy the games and are completely immersed in them.’
Manning’s three daughters – Ava, Lucy, Caroline – seem more interested in soccer than soccer. Since their father bought NWSL champion Gotham FC, the trio have been regulars at the club’s games in Harrison, New Jersey. He and his wife, Abby McGrew, have a total of four children, including son Charlie.
Retired NFL QB Eli Manning Says He Witnessed Taylor Swift’s Impact on the NFL Firsthand
Swift has become a fixture at Chiefs games, much to the delight of Manning’s three girls
Manning’s three daughters – Ava, Lucy, Caroline – seem more interested in football, unless Travis Kelce’s girlfriend Taylor Swift is in the crowd
Of course, Manning talked about the rivalry between the Kelce brothers because of his experience playing his older brother, Peyton, on three occasions.
“I don’t really like to talk about it, since I was 0-3 in those games,” 42-year-old Eli joked. ‘It’s a sensitive subject for me.’
Eli’s Giants fell to Peyton’s Colts in 2006 and 2010 before the older brother moved to Denver and defeated his younger sibling again in 2013.
“It was so unique, and I remember the times right before the national anthem, you’re sitting there on the 40 or 50 50-yard line, you look over and you see a big brother on an NFL football field about to to play a match’ Eli continued.
“That’s the real fun part.”
Of course, the Mannings, like the Kelce brothers, were never on the field at the same time during their games against each other, as they both play on offense.
“When you’re both on offense, you’re not going against each other, you’re going against the other team,” Manning said before imagining his slow-footed brother playing defensive back.
“If Peyton played defense, if he played cornerback, I know where I would throw every time. That is not the case.’
Eli Manning (left) and Peyton Manning (right) are seen after the first of three NFL meetings
Chiefs sign tight end Travis Kelce and Eagles center Jason Kelce embrace before Super Bowl LVII
As for Travis Kelce’s performance, Manning hasn’t noticed any issues since he started his high-profile relationship with Swift earlier this fall.
“I think he’s handling it really well,” Manning said. “You’re in a relationship with perhaps the most popular person in the world right now, so there are a lot of questions about it. I think he handles everything very well. He remains focused on playing football and doing his job. It didn’t affect his game. In any case, it has raised his level of play in recent weeks. When she’s at the game, it seems like he scores a touchdown every time.”
Swift is not expected to attend Monday’s match as she continues her tour of South America, where a fan recently died of suspected heat exhaustion.
Meanwhile, her parents – both Eagles fans – are expected to be at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where they are expected to meet Travis’ parents on Monday.