ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is one of the most polarizing voices in sports media. He’s perfected the debate show format during his time at the network, earning a reputation for bold, often controversial takes that can fire up any fan base.
Recently, Smith appeared on The Tonight Show and was asked about Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift.
Stephen A. Smith Predicts a Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift Engagement in 2025
Smith has been a fixture in sports media since graduating college in the early ‘90s, starting in print before moving to radio and, eventually, television. His fiery persona made him a perfect partner for Skip Bayless on First Take in 2012, where the two helped define the debate show genre that now dominates daytime sports TV.
Smith took over First Take after Bayless left in 2016, but the two will reunite after Bayless’ recent departure from FOX Sports. And knowing Smith, he won’t hesitate to bring up his former partner’s sudden switch from the Cowboys to the Eagles.
Smith also recently made headlines courtside at a Lakers game, getting into a public back-and-forth with LeBron James. Now, he’s making waves again after his take on Kelce and Swift during his Tonight Show appearance.
Host Jimmy Fallon teed up the conversation, asking for Smith’s thoughts on whether Kelce and Swift will get engaged in 2025.
Smith immediately tensed up, knocking over Fallon’s microphone before launching into his response.
“This is serious! I’m scared to get this wrong. Travis Kelce, that’s my dawg. I gotta tell you, a lot of ladies love Travis Kelce,” Smith began.
“Travis Kelce has loved a lot of ladies. But Taylor Swift’s a different animal! She looks good, she’s incredibly talented, and she’s worth about a billion. We’re going to guess a ‘yes’ on this one.”
He continued, “That’s a three-headed monster that’s hard to turn down right there. That’s a hard, hard thing to turn down. Look good, talented, and you’re a billionaire?”
Smith played it safe with Swift’s massive fanbase, praising her while implying that Kelce would be making a mistake if he didn’t propose. He also made a notable comment about Kelce’s dating history, saying he’s “loved a lot of ladies.”
That could have been a reference to Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, who became part of the conversation after Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson mentioned her following Super Bowl 59.
Gardner-Johnson doubled down at the Eagles’ victory parade, sporting a sweatshirt that seemed to take a shot at Swift. Clearly, Smith wanted no part of upsetting Swift’s loyal fan base.
Meanwhile, Kelce recently confirmed he’s returning for a 13th NFL season, looking to rebound after what was statistically his worst year as a pro.
In 2024, he posted 97 receptions, 823 yards, and just three touchdowns—his lowest totals since becoming Kansas City’s No. 1 tight end. He was also quiet in Super Bowl 59, leading to questions about whether age is catching up to him.
An engagement to Swift would be anything but quiet, and if you ask Smith, it’s only a matter of time before it happens in 2025.