Chandler Parsons Says Travis Kelce’s ‘Love Life With Taylor Swift Is Strong’ (Exclusive)

July 12, 2024

Chandler Parsons sings the praises of his buddy Travis Kelce.

The 35-year-old former basketball player (and close friend of the Chiefs tight end) pointed out the 34-year-old Kelce to PEOPLE while he was training for the 35th annual American Century Championship presented by American Century Investments.

“He’s truly a sweetheart,” Parsons says of Kelce, adding that the NFL star is “happy” in his relationship with Taylor Swift.

“She’s amazing,” Parsons adds of Swift, 34.

“And so I’m just glad he’s in a great position, dominating on the field and hoping to get win after win,” Parsons said, referring to Kelce and the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories. He hopes to repeat that next season.

“That’s why I’m glad his personal and love life is strong,” Parsons adds of Kelce’s success on and off the field.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

Aldara Zarraoa/Getty; Gotham/GC

The annual American Century Championship is held in Lake Tahoe, California, and includes Parsons and Kelce, as well as big stars. Kelce’s brother Jason Kelce is participating, along with MLB legend Alex Rodriguez, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, as well as celebrities such as comedian Rob Riggle and Rob McElhenney of It’s always sunny in Philadelphia.

Travis Kelce of the NFL Kansas City Chiefs smiles as he walks past the crowd on the 15th hole during day three of the 2023 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.

Isaiah Vazquez/Getty

Parsons is excited to get on the court with Kelce, he told PEOPLE. “We’re going to have fun. We didn’t get played together (on Friday), but maybe we’ll play together on Saturday and I’ll kick his ass.”

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In March, Kelce spent time with Parsons and his son, 10-month-old Chrome Evan Parsons. A sweet photo of the NFL tight end and Chrome made the rounds on social media after Kelce signed the boy’s skull helmet, but Parsons tells PEOPLE the autograph faded.

“You know what’s funny? We were playing golf that day and my son had to wear the helmet for a month. We had a couple of cocktails and went home where he signed the helmet. The next day my son woke up and the helmet was gone.”

“The Sharpie is smeared,” Parsons explains. “So we may have to do this again.”

The 35th annual American Century Championship, presented by American Century Investments, began on Friday, July 12th and ends on Sunday, July 14th.