ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Doubles Down on Outspoken Opinion About Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

Stephen A. Smith, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

ESPN sports commentator Stephen A. Smith doesn't think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce need to get married—but for a very good reason.

The 56-year-old doubled down on his support for the couple during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show on Tuesday, Jan. 23, after host Howard Stern said "Travis Kelce has to marry Taylor Swift" to stay popular.

According to Smith, that's not the case, as the two are just as successful on their own, as they are together. After pointing out Kelce's Super Bowl history—noting that it's possible he will have another Super Bowl win this year—he declared, "He’s universally recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of football."

Smith went on to say Kelce was "the total package," before giving Swift the same praise, calling her “phenomenal" and "an incredible artist." He recalled attending her concert with his daughters, telling Stern, "It was off the chain. I loved it. I couldn’t believe how much I loved it, because I don’t listen to Taylor Swift music."

Because both Kelce and Swift have their own successful careers, Smith doesn't see a need for the Chiefs player to tie the knot with Swift to ensure his continued success.

Smith's new statements are in line with other discussions he has had about the couple recently, with the sports analyst even saying that he had to "take a moment to come to the defense of Taylor Swift" as people criticized her for coming to Kelce's games, saying that she might be using the attention to sell concert tickets.

"Let's show some respect," said Smith, shutting down the conversation by first noting that Swift attended most of Kelce's football games after her Eras Tour went on break. "Those kids were going to her concerts whether the NFL was promoting her or not! Taylor Swift is that girl," he added.

On a January episode of his podcast, Smith also called out similar criticism for Swift that attempted to put the blame on her for diminishing interest in the NFL.

It seems like Swift and Kelce have found a loyal supporter in Smith, joining others like Elle Duncan and Christian Okoye, who have supported the singer against statements calling her a "distraction" to Kelce.

Next: Here's Proof Taylor Swift Didn't Put Travis Kelce on the Map