Chiefs CMO reveals how Taylor Swift sparked Hallmark's 'Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs love story'
When Taylor Swift first appeared at Arrowhead Stadium in September 2023, she also brought her loyal "Swiftie" fan base into the fold. The sales of Kansas City Chiefs jerseys, specifically Travis Kelce's jersey and other merchandise flew off the shelves.
Kansas City Chiefs Chief Marketing Officer Lara Krug spoke with Vanity Fair about Swift's influence in growing the Chiefs' fan base. Krug's main priority as the CMO is growing the Chiefs as a brand.
The Hallmark Channel's newest Christmas movie, "Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story", takes inspiration from Swift and Kelce's relationship.
“Some things in life can't be scripted, but you can certainly take the opportunity and run with it," Krug said of the opportunity to create a movie similar to Swift and Kelce's relationship.
She said the interest in their love story was the perfect opportunity to make a movie about a love story in the football world.
“The postseason as a holiday campaign came to be and in it, riffing off of the cultural relevance of last year of love stories and romance and all the things, we thought, what better way to tell a holiday story than a holiday movie?” she added.
The Hallmark Christmas movie also features a key member of the Chiefs Kingdom: Travis Kelce's mom, Donna Kelce, who makes a cameo in the film as a cafe manager.
Chiefs coach shares thoughtful gift from Taylor Swift
Besides being a Grammy winner and one of the world's most popular artists, Taylor Swift also enjoys baking. She has shared some of her homemade baked goods with others in the past and has been known to share with Travis Kelce's teammates as well.
Last season, Chiefs coach Andy Reid shared that Swift made homemade pop-tarts for the Chiefs offensive line. Dave Merritt Sr., the defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs shared on Tuesday evening that he was gifted Swift's well-known homemade pop-tarts. He shared a photo of the box, which Swift called "Victory Pop-Tarts."
"Taylor Swift baked homemade victory Pop Tarts me! Yolonda Merritt said, “She’s done it all season for different people Dave” Ithought I was SPECIAL, Sweet young woman regardless!" Merritt wrote on X.
Dave Merritt Sr. went on to say that his bubble burst when his wife informed him that Swift has been giving different members of the coaching staff gifts all season. He said he still felt special and appreciated the gesture.