Taylor Swift’s 2026 Super Bowl Absence Reveals Her New Approach to Security and Privacy

Taylor Swift’s absence from Super Bowl LX in 2026 marked a notable shift for the global pop star. Previously, she was a fixture at the NFL’s biggest night in recent years while supporting her fiancé, Travis Kelce. With the Kansas City Chiefs star not playing this season and Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show, Swift chose to sit out the game, focusing instead on her own projects and priorities. And it might prove that she’s taking her security and privacy more seriously than ever. Here’s what to know.

Taylor Swift wasn’t at the Super Bowl LX with Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift’s absence from Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, stood out nearly as much as the game itself. The global pop star has become a fixture at the NFL’s biggest night in recent years while supporting fiancé Travis Kelce. However, she did not attend the showdown in Santa Clara, California. With Kelce present but not playing this year, and Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show, Swift opted to skip the event, focusing on her own projects, like the recent release of her “Opalite” music video.

So, why wasn’t Swift in attendance? The pop queen likely weighed the security risk and her own personal priorities when deciding not to make the trip. In October 2024, a source told Page Six, “Something people don’t really understand — and that’s by design — is how much courage Taylor has.” Swift is no stranger to security threats, as she dealt with scares during “The Eras Tour.”

The source added that Kelce’s presence brings Swift “peace.”

“Just his physical presence,” they told the publication. “She feels safer with him than anyone she’s ever known; she knows he would do anything for her, and physically, she feels protected by him, and she loves that feeling. It’s a relatively new one for her, relationship-wise.”

The source called Kelce “her protector,” who is “going to make sure she is physically safe, and emotionally safe….”

The famous couple allegedly ramped up security at the end of 2025

At the end of 2025, a source told The U.S. Sun that Taylor Swift upped her spending for her personal safety. According to the insider, Swift and Travis Kelce agreed to spend $8 million annually on a security team. This team would ensure Swift’s protection during NFL games and public-facing events. Previously, she was reportedly spending $6 million on security.

“She knows she is always the center of attention and wants to avoid that if possible,” the source said. “Taylor is someone who can never live a normal life, so her safety and security are a top priority.”

Swift identified her “fear of violence” in 2019 following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at an Ariana Grande concert and the shooting during Jason Aldean’s Route 91 Harvest Music Festival performance. She penned this to Elle at the time:

“My fear of violence has continued into my personal life,” she wrote. “I carry QuikClot army grade bandage dressing, which is for gunshot or stab wounds. Websites and tabloids have taken it upon themselves to post every home address I’ve ever had online. You get enough stalkers trying to break into your house, and you kind of start prepping for bad things. Every day I try to remind myself of the good in the world, the love I’ve witnessed, and the faith I have in humanity. We have to live bravely in order to truly feel alive, and that means not being ruled by our greatest fears.”

Travis Kelce’s appearance at Super Bowl LX renewed conversation about his future with the NFL

At Super Bowl LX in 2026, Travis Kelce attended the game as a spectator, according to People. Fans likely see this as a rare role for one of the NFL’s most decorated tight ends and a three-time Super Bowl champion. The Kansas City Chiefs star, who had played in four recent Super Bowls and helped lead his team to multiple titles, was on hand at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for pre-game festivities and the presentation of the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The honor recognized players for “excellence on and off the field.”

Kelce’s presence at the event had fans talking about the transitional moment in his career. At 36 years old, and coming off a 6-11 Chiefs season that saw Kansas City miss the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade, Kelce is contemplating his future in football. Contract talks with the Chiefs are expected after the Super Bowl, and retirement remains a topic of discussion. However, his continued visibility at the league’s biggest stages reflects his impact on the NFL. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if this marks a shift toward life after playing or one final run with the Chiefs.