Alex Smith hints it’s disrespectful to ask Travis Kelce for Taylor Swift concert favors, says real friendships don’t come with ticket requests

Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith has nothing but admiration for his longtime friend and ex-teammate Travis Kelce — but when it comes to asking for favors involving Kelce’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, Smith draws a clear boundary. In a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the former Kansas City Chiefs star shared a candid take on why he's never — and likely will never — ask Kelce for concert tickets to see Swift perform.

While Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour continues to break records with over $2 billion in revenue and her global fan base only grows stronger, it's not surprising that her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, has become an unexpected gateway to one of the hottest tickets in entertainment. Still, Smith, who played five seasons with Kelce in Kansas City before the Patrick Mahomes era began, isn’t using their bond for personal gain.
“I haven’t hit him up on that,” Smith told Rich Eisen when asked if he’s ever requested concert tickets. “Nor do I ever expect to. He’s got enough people, I’m sure, bringing that up to him.”

It wasn’t just a polite deflection — Smith was emphatic in his stance, even after Eisen pointed out that Greg Olsen had confessed to asking. Smith didn’t budge. “Again, these are special relationships. And to go ask for a handout… from his girlfriend? It’s just not my thing.”

What stood out most was Smith’s tone — one not of bitterness, but of genuine pride. When the conversation shifted to Kelce’s relationship with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Smith lit up with respect and admiration.
“These guys are like stepbrothers off the field,” Smith said. “They are so incredibly close — they give each other such direct feedback all the time.”
He also mentioned their recent business venture together. “I think they just opened a steakhouse,” Smith added, referencing their growing partnership beyond football.
Also Read: Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce skipping the 2025 Met Gala to avoid the spotlight—or to hide deeper issues in their relationship?
For Smith, who played a key role in shaping the early days of Kansas City’s current dynasty, watching Kelce and Mahomes thrive is fulfilling. He doesn’t need a VIP seat at a Taylor Swift concert to feel connected — the history and friendships he built are reward enough.