Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce has addressed recent criticism from fans regarding his pose in a photograph taken during a double date with his girlfriend, pop icon Taylor Swift, and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany.

The photo, which quickly went viral after being shared on social media, shows the two high-profile couples enjoying a night out at a trendy Kansas City restaurant. However, fans were quick to comment on Kelce’s posture and body language in the picture, with some suggesting that he appeared “disinterested” or “distant.”

Kelce, known for his candidness and humor, took to Instagram to respond to the feedback. “I’ve always appreciated the support and love from my fans, but I’ve got to address something that’s been blowing up my feed,” he said in an Instagram story. “That photo? It was just a candid moment. We were all laughing and having a great time.”

He continued, “I guess some people saw the way I was standing and thought I wasn’t into it. But trust me, I was just trying to avoid photobombing Patrick and Brittany’s moment! Taylor and I were having a blast, and that’s all that matters.”

Taylor Swift, who has been in the spotlight for much of her life and is no stranger to public scrutiny, also chimed in with a light-hearted comment on Kelce’s post. “You should see some of the outtakes!” she wrote, adding a series of laughing emojis.

Patrick Mahomes, who has often shared glimpses of his close friendship with Kelce on social media, backed up his teammate with a supportive tweet. “Travis is always the life of the party. Don’t let one picture fool you!” he posted, along with a photo of the group laughing together from the same evening.

Brittany Mahomes also weighed in, posting on her Instagram story, “We had the best time! People need to relax and enjoy the fun vibes.”

The double date was one of the few public outings for Kelce and Swift, who have been dating for several months. Despite the occasional criticism, the couple has largely received positive attention from both fans and media. They have been spotted together at various events, from charity galas to casual outings, always drawing a significant amount of attention.

This recent incident has once again highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities, especially when their personal lives intersect with their public personas. Kelce’s response has been praised for its straightforwardness and good humor, reminding fans that even public figures deserve a bit of grace.

As the NFL season approaches, both Kelce and Mahomes are gearing up for what promises to be another exciting year for the Chiefs. With their strong on-field partnership and off-field camaraderie, fans can look forward to many more memorable moments from the dynamic duo.

For now, it seems, the focus will shift back to football, where both Kelce and Mahomes are expected to shine. And as for the picture? It will likely be just another fleeting moment in the fast-paced lives of these superstar athletes and their equally famous partners.