Travis Kelce is used to reading defenses — but he didn’t see a Taylor Swift Easter egg coming.
During the Wednesday, January 21 episode of the “New Heights” podcast, the 36-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end missed a fan reference tied to Swift’s song “Wood,” prompting him to admit, “Taylor’s gonna kill me for not knowing that!”
The moment came while Travis’ older brother, Jason Kelce, read a comment from a fan about their merchandise. Jason appeared confused by the message and asked what it meant — before their producer jumped in with an explanation that made Travis realize he had totally missed the point.
‘New Heights’ Podcast Moment Turns Into Taylor Swift “Wood” Reference
Jason, 37, read a fan message aloud that referenced a hoodie name idea.
“‘I can’t believe none of the hoodies are called ‘New Heights of Man-Hoodie,’” Jason read before adding, “I don’t know what the (expletive) that means, but she’s disappointed.”
Jason then asked, “What’s that mean? What’s a ‘man-hoodie’? Is that a thing?”
Producer Brandon Borders chimed in with clarity — and a wink to Swift fans.
“It’s a Life of a Showgirl reference, come on. ‘New Heights of manhood,’ it’s the time you were referenced in the album,” Borders said.
After a pause, Travis responded, “I didn’t understand that. Taylor’s gonna kill me for not knowing that!”
Jason then joked that the brothers don’t always catch references as quickly as Swift’s fanbase does. “We’re not as good with the Easter eggs as these Swifties,” Jason said, with Travis adding, “They sure know how to plant ‘em and call ‘em out.”
Taylor Swift ‘Wood’ Lyrics Include ‘New Heights of Manhood’ Line
The fan comment referenced a lyric from Swift’s song “Wood,” which was featured on her twelfth studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” The track became one of the most talked-about songs on the album thanks to suggestive lyrics tied to her relationship with Travis.
“Forgive me, it sounds cocky / He ah-matized me and opened my eyes,” Swift sings on the tune. “Redwood tree, it ain’t hard to see / His love was the key that opened my thighs.”
The line referenced by the “New Heights” fan includes a direct callout that listeners immediately connected back to Travis and the podcast brand.
Swift sings, “New Heights of manhood / I ain’t gotta knock on wood.”
Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce Previously Talked About ‘Wood’ on ‘New Heights’
This isn’t the first time the Kelce brothers have discussed “Wood” publicly. After “The Life of a Showgirl” was released in October 2025, Jason brought the song up and asked Travis how he felt about it.
“Do you feel, do you feel — not confident — do you feel cocky about the song ‘Wood’?” Jason joked.
“No,” Travis said, adding, “Any song that she references me in is very…”
Jason cut him off, saying, “That’s not just any song. This is a very specific you.”
Travis tried to keep things light, replying, “I love that girl, so what do you mean? Any song that she would reference me in that way…”
But Jason pushed again, saying, “It’s not just you. It’s an appendage. It’s a very specific thing.”
“What?” Travis teased back. “I think you’re not understanding the song.”
Travis Kelce Wedding Plans Reportedly On Hold Amid Retirement Decision
Outside of the podcast moment, Kelce and Swift have also drawn attention for new chatter about their wedding timeline.
The couple was recently spotted having a quiet dinner in Beverly Hills, and a report claimed they are “reportedly getting married on June 13 of this year.” However, sources told Rob Shuter the couple is not deep into planning yet.
“They’re not even halfway through the guest list,” a source said. “Right now it’s more about enjoying time together than crunching spreadsheets.”
According to the report, Kelce’s retirement decision could impact timing.
“Travis is still figuring out if he’s playing next year,” a source claimed. “They don’t want to stress over a wedding when there’s so much else going on.”
Kelce previously addressed his future on “New Heights,” saying, “I’m still figuring out if I’ll play next season. I want to make sure my body is ready, that I can commit fully.”
He also discussed wedding timing with Jason on the podcast, saying, “I actually don’t know people who’ve gotten married in the fall because all the weddings I’ve been to and all my friends always do it in the summer,” adding, “You gotta be willing to find a weekend where the team isn’t playing anybody good maybe.”
Travis Kelce’s Latest ‘New Heights’ Episode Took a Turn When Taylor Swift Came Up