Travis Kelce just broke the internet. Again.
Honestly, we should be used to it by now, but the latest Travis Kelce GQ shoot—released in August 2025 as the September cover story—is something else entirely. It’s not just the clothes. It’s the fact that the three-time Super Bowl champion spent twelve hours trudging through the Florida Everglades, cradling live alligators and draping massive pythons over his shoulders like they were high-fashion scarves.
Some people love it. Others are genuinely confused why a future Hall of Famer is posing in a swamp wearing a fur hat that looks like it belongs in the Arctic.
The Wildest Looks from the Travis Kelce GQ Shoot
This wasn't your standard "athlete in a suit" profile. Styled by the legendary Law Roach—the mastermind behind Zendaya’s most iconic looks—and shot by photographer Ryan McGinley, the aesthetic was "Swamp Chic" meets "High-End Western."
The cover image alone is a lot to take in. Kelce is staring down the camera while wearing a massive, shoulder-grazing fur hat by Etro. He’s also wearing hip-high waders from LaCrosse Footwear. Oh, and he's holding a baby alligator. It’s a choice.
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Why the Everglades?
The shoot took place at The Boca Raton and deep within the Florida wetlands. According to the profile, the idea was sparked by the fact that Kelce was already training in Florida during the off-season at Johnny O’s Gymnasium.
Instead of a polished studio, they chose the mud.
- The Flyboard Moment: One shot features Kelce hovering over the water on a flyboard, wearing a red Prada vest and plaid boxers.
- The Snake Scene: He swapped the gator for a giant snake while wearing a simple Dolce & Gabbana tank top and Adam Small jeans.
- The "Big Bag" Energy: In one of the more talked-about frames, he’s back in the swamp, but instead of a reptile, he’s lugging a massive, oversized Hermès Birkin bag.
What the Shoot Says About His Relationship with Taylor Swift
You can’t talk about Travis Kelce in 2026 without talking about Taylor Swift. The GQ interview, titled America’s Sweetheart, didn't shy away from the romance.
Kelce was surprisingly vulnerable. He talked about how their relationship happened "organically" despite the entire world watching through a telescope. He mentioned that when the cameras are off, they are just "two people in love."
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One of the most interesting nuggets? He basically admitted he’s her biggest fan. He talked about seeing the Eras Tour from the inside—literally seeing the "football-field-sized computer" that runs the stage—and marveling at how she performs for three hours in the scorching heat of places like Singapore. He actually said her job is "arguably more exhausting" than what he does on a Sunday.
That’s a big statement coming from a guy who gets hit by 250-pound linebackers for a living.
The Backlash and the "Slimmed Down" Physique
Not everyone was a fan of the avant-garde styling. Social media had a field day with the fur hat, with some Reddit users comparing it to the "QAnon Shaman" or questioning Law Roach’s vision.
But beyond the clothes, people noticed a physical change.
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His mom, Donna Kelce, recently pointed out that Travis has "hunkered down" and "slimmed down" for the 2025-2026 season. Looking at the GQ photos, it’s clear he’s leaned out. He told GQ he wants to "leave the game better than he found it," and that means staying agile as he enters the later stage of his career.
Key Takeaways from the Interview
- Retirement is on his mind, but not yet. He’s preparing for life after football by dabbling in media and business, but he’s not ready to hang up the cleats while he’s still elite.
- Taylor is a football expert now. Kelce joked that she’s "engulfed" in the game, checking injury reports and understanding "third and short" situations.
- He values "Normalcy." Despite the Birkin bags and the Versace coats, he claims he seeks respect more than admiration and hates being thought of as an "idiot" jock.
Why This Matters for the Kelce Brand
This GQ shoot cements Travis Kelce as a legitimate crossover star. He isn't just a sports figure anymore; he’s a fashion icon and a pop-culture staple. By leaning into Law Roach’s eccentric styling, he’s showing he doesn't take himself too seriously, which is part of why he’s so marketable.
If you're looking to channel a bit of that Kelce energy, you don't need to go buy a baby alligator. Start by mixing high-end pieces—like a structured leather jacket—with rugged, functional gear like workwear vests or classic boots. It’s about the contrast.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Study the Silhouette: Notice how Kelce balances oversized items (like the fur hat or the Birkin) with fitted basics (like the tank top). That balance is key to pulling off "loud" fashion.
- Follow the Stylist: If you like this aesthetic, follow Law Roach on social media. He often breaks down the "why" behind these polarizing shoots.
- Watch the Games: Keep an eye on his pre-game "tunnel walks" this season. The GQ shoot was clearly a preview of the bold, experimental style he’s bringing to the stadium in 2026.