Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce experienced one of his roughest performances of the season in a recent game, and some fans and analysts are pointing to a rather unexpected reason for the dip in his play: the absence of pop superstar Taylor Swift.

Kelce, who has enjoyed a standout season and earned widespread attention for his relationship with Swift, struggled to make an impact in the Chiefs’ loss. With a lackluster stat line and some rare miscommunications with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kelce’s performance left fans puzzled.

Some observers have jokingly suggested that the absence of Swift—who has been a frequent presence at games this season—may have had an effect on the star tight end’s focus.

While the idea of Swift being the key to Kelce’s success is clearly a tongue-in-cheek theory, the speculation underscores the media frenzy surrounding the pair’s high-profile relationship. Swift’s attendance at Chiefs games has undoubtedly brought a new level of attention to Kelce’s performances, and when things don’t go as planned, fans are quick to search for a narrative that connects the dots.

However, on the football side of things, Kelce’s off-game could likely be attributed to more traditional factors, such as tough defensive matchups or in-game adjustments. The Chiefs’ loss was marked by several missed opportunities and mistakes, but it’s safe to say that Kelce’s overall performance this season remains one of the best in the league, regardless of the off-field headlines.

As the season progresses, Kelce and his teammates will no doubt look to bounce back from this setback, while fans will continue to monitor the possible impact of Swift’s presence—or absence—on the field.