The 53-man roster isn’t the only cut for Kansas City Chiefs players to make.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding has been called America’s royal wedding and that’s not far off. She’s the most famous woman on the planet, an icon for both her musical talents and business acumen. He’s the biggest name in this country’s biggest sport, a three-time Super Bowl champion who had already made the pop culture crossover before they started dating.
Their wedding guests will be a “Who’s who” of entertainment, sports and fashion, and no one’s going to want to miss it. Unless Swift and Kelce have their big day at Arrowhead Stadium, however, choices will have to be made. Given that the Chiefs players, coaches and their significant others alone would be about 200 people, some are bound to be left out.
Here’s a look at who’s on the A team, who’s on the practice squad and who’s going to be a free agent when it comes to the Wedding of the Century:
IN
Andy Reid. The Kansas City Chiefs coach, who knew Swift’s father from his days with the Philadelphia Eagles, played matchmaker for the two. Of course he’s on the guest list.
Heck, they should have him officiate.
Patrick Mahomes. Duh. He and Kelce are BFFs — Kelce was one of Mahomes’ groomsmen when the quarterback got married — and his wife and Swift have become fast friends. He’s not only going, he’s probably in the wedding party.
Xavier Worthy. Swift was so excited when the Chiefs drafted the speedy wide receiver that her friends wondered if she’d lost her mind. He’s done nothing since then to temper that enthusiasm.
The entire offensive line. Offensive skill players know who’s responsible for their success.
Chris Jones. This one is a little tough because Swift had bonded with Jones’ former girlfriend, sitting together at games and posing for photos together. But Jones is, along with Kelce and Mahomes, the face of the Kansas City franchise and the captain of its defense, so he gets priority.
Kareem Hunt. Kelce has long been one of the running back’s biggest supporters, calling him “family” after last season’s AFC championship. Hunt also got an invite to the Eras’-themed birthday party Kelce threw for Swift last season, and was in a group photo with Kelce, Swift, Mahomes and center Creed Humphrey.
Isiah Pacheco. He and his longtime girlfriend joined Swift and Kelce in Kelce’s box for Thursday night’s game between Cincinnati, Kelce’s alma mater, and Nebraska.
Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis. They’re both anchors of the defense. More significantly, they were both drafted by the Chiefs and have spent their entire careers in Kansas City.
MAYBE
Drue Tranquill. Integral part of the defense but this is only his third season with the Chiefs.
Rookies. Coveted as these invites will be, they’re going to need to do something to make a big impression. Except Jake Bringingstool. Tight ends gonna look out for tight ends.
Bryan Cook. A defensive player, so might not know Kelce as well as other teammates. He did go to Cincinnati, however.
Ryan Reynolds. He’s the head strength and conditioning coach/director of sports science, not the one married to Blake Lively. Still, might not want to risk a mix-up.
MAKE OTHER PLANS
Harrison Butker. A guy who thinks women are second-class citizens invited to the wedding of the biggest Boss Lady there is and the guy who loves nothing more than to spotlight and celebrate her and her successes?
Hah, hah, hah. I can’t even say it with a straight face.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
