Taylor Swift inspires tattoo from another athlete while Travis Kelce signs new Chiefs deal

Taylor Swift is almost always in the news, especially when her personal life and the sports world cross paths. As her relationship with Travis Kelce continues to make news, another athlete has unexpectedly entered the conversation. Kelce is busy getting ready to go back to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 season under a new contract.The buzz around Swift, though, isn't just about football. Her music still reaches people in places other than stadiums and arenas. Even athletes who play different sports say that her songs have changed how they train, what they remember, and how they live their lives.One such admirer is Todd Van Steensel, who has openly spoken about his appreciation for Swift’s music. The pitcher, who has competed internationally and gained attention during the World Baseball Classic, has followed Swift’s career for years.“He’s gone to concerts, created Swift-inspired friendship bracelets for his teammates and has even met the singer,” Michael Clair of the MLB’s official website notes in a feature highlighting Van Steensel’s fandom.His admiration runs deeper than casual listening. Van Steensel even has a tattoo on the inside of his wrist that reads “Fearless,” referencing Swift’s iconic album.When asked how it all began, the pitcher explained the moment he first discovered her music.“A long time ago, I listened to ‘Our Song,’ and after that, I was hooked,” Van Steensel said. He added that after hearing the track, he searched online to learn more about the artist and began exploring her albums. From that point forward, he followed her career closely.The tattoo carries personal meaning beyond just being a tribute to the album.“it’s a little mantra, but also an homage to her album. It’s fun and I love the way she tells stories through her music.”Despite the admiration, there is no romantic storyline unfolding. Van Steensel is already in a relationship and jokes about his appreciation for Swift’s music in a lighthearted way. When asked to name his favorite song, he compared the question to choosing among family members.“If I had children, that’s like asking who my favorite child was,” Van Steensel said, laughing.For fans of Swift and Kelce, the story simply adds another reminder of how wide Swift’s cultural reach has become. From NFL locker rooms to international baseball tournaments, her music continues to resonate in places few would have predicted years ago.