Travis Kelce’s Friends Think Taylor Swift Relationship Is the ‘Real Deal for Him’: Source (Exclusive)

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance isn’t for show — his friends believe it’s “a real deal,” a source tells PEOPLE.

“Travis’ friends think this is the right thing for him,” an insider close to the Kansas City Chiefs star exclusively says. “They’re still a bit shocked about it all – that he’s coming out the Taylor Swift, but they saw how down to earth she was with his friends and family.”

The source adds that the relationship is “growing” as the NFL tight end, 34, and the music superstar, 33, have both found success in their own worlds — and continue to appreciate each other’s accomplishments.

“They are both very hard workers, and he recognizes that her art is hers and he has what is his,” a source told PEOPLE. “He understands the territory that comes with their relationship and as he said, he doesn’t let any of the hype get in the way of their development together.”

Taylor Swift Instagrammed Travis Kelce’s record-breaking feat amid their romance

The source adds, “Their relationship is about the two of them, and he sees Taylor for who she is and vice versa.”

For Kelce, that extended to seeing Swift in Argentina earlier this month during the Chiefs’ bye week.

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At the Eras Tour concert at the Estadio Monumental (River Plate Stadium) in Buenos Aires on November 11, Kelce could be seen enjoying Swift’s performance from the VIP tent, along with her dad, Scott Kingsley Swift.

In concert footage captured by fans, the NFL star appeared to be delighted as she watched the singer perform “Karma,” in which she cheekily changed the lyrics to suit her suitor.

Gotham/GC images

“Karma is the guy on the Chiefs goes straight home to me,” Swift sang, prompting Kelce to smile widely.

Everything Travis Kelce Said About Taylor Swift

After the concert, footage showed Swift rushing into the arms of her waiting beau as the two hugged and kissed.

Now, after wrapping up the South American leg of her tour, the “Lavender Haze” singer has until February off — all giving the couple time together as the holidays approach.

In an extensive interview with WSJ. Magazine last week, the footballer shared that life with Swift is a whole different kind of game and that he’s “never dated someone who has that kind of aura.”

“I’ve never dealt with it,” Kelce added. “But at the same time, I’m not running away from anything… The scrutiny she gets, how much she’s grown on herself, every single day, the paparazzi in front of her house, in front of every restaurant she goes to, after every flight she gets off, and she just she’s living, she’s enjoying life. When she’s acting like that, I better not be the one acting weird.”

He said meeting Swift was an eye-opener, admitting: “I’ve never been one of my words. Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, was freaking awesome. I’m learning every day.”

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Source: HIS Education