Travis Kelce’s high school football coach, Jeff Rotsky, is sharing glowing remarks about his experience meeting pop superstar Taylor Swift, the fiancée of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end. Rotsky, who coached Kelce at Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio, recounted their first encounter at a Chiefs game in 2023, calling Swift “the kindest young lady you ever met and down to earth.”

Swift Makes a Memorable First Impression

“She treated us like gold,” Rotsky told The Times. He recalled that Swift’s opening line when meeting him was, “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, I want to hear all the dirt about Travis.” The coach said Swift’s warmth and genuine interest in meeting Kelce’s mentors left a lasting impression.

Rotsky maintains contact with around 750 former student-athletes, including Kelce. He noted that he regularly chats with the NFL star and joked that he would consider himself “blessed” to receive an invitation to Kelce and Swift’s upcoming wedding.

Reflecting on Travis Kelce’s Journey

Beyond praising Swift, Rotsky also highlighted Kelce’s growth as both an athlete and a person. “I’m proud of what he’s done athletically. But eventually that runs out, and the question is, who is the man behind that?” he said, referencing a signed Kelce jersey.

The coach emphasized Kelce’s leadership and character, adding, “Travis has grown up to be a leader, to have a kind heart, to have fun. As a coach or father, what more can you ask for from your son or player?”

Kelce and Swift’s Engagement

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift announced their engagement in August 2025, much to the delight of fans. Swift shared the news on Instagram, captioning the post, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨,” referencing her song “So High School,” long rumored to be about Kelce from her 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department.

Kelce proposed with a custom-designed ring created with Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry, featuring an Old Mine brilliant cut stone. Swift has been showcasing the engagement ring during a series of press appearances following the release of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3.

A Pop-Star Meets Football Royalty

Swift’s interaction with Kelce’s former coach is just one example of her effort to connect meaningfully with the people closest to her fiancé. From attending Chiefs games to meeting mentors, Swift’s approach has left a positive impression on everyone she meets. For Rotsky, the experience reaffirmed both Kelce’s success on and off the field and Swift’s down-to-earth personality, making it a moment he’ll never forget.