Patrick Mahomes is no stranger to the spotlight, and as one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, he’s used to receiving attention both on and off the field. However, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback recently gave credit to someone else for bringing even more buzz to his team: Taylor Swift.

In a recent interview with Complex Sports for their “I Got Time Today” game, Mahomes responded to social media posts about himself, including one that humorously noted the huge impact of Taylor Swift’s presence at Chiefs games.

The post pointed out that Swift, who had been attending Chiefs games to support her rumored boyfriend, Travis Kelce, generated more revenue and buzz for the team by simply sitting in the box seats than even Mahomes himself, despite being hailed as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Mahomes, ever the good sport, couldn’t help but agree with the sentiment. “That is true,” Mahomes said with a laugh, acknowledging the impact Swift had on the Chiefs’ viewership and media coverage. As the most famous woman in the world, Swift’s attendance at games seemed to draw an unprecedented level of attention to the Chiefs, both from casual viewers and Swift’s global fanbase. Her presence at games didn’t just fill stadiums—it ignited conversations, amplified social media buzz, and brought a new audience to the NFL.

However, Mahomes wasn’t just taking a backseat to Swift’s influence. “But she was like the TIME Person of the Year a couple of months before that, so it’s really cool to be on the cover of TIME,” Mahomes added, referring to his own selection as one of the TIME 100 most influential people of 2024. It’s clear Mahomes is aware of his own place in the limelight, but also acknowledges the excitement Swift’s connection to the team created.

Of course, Mahomes couldn’t help but add a bit of humor to the situation, crediting his best friend and teammate, Travis Kelce, for the attention. “And it does help when your best friend and your homie’s dating the most famous woman in the world,” Mahomes said, referring to Kelce’s highly publicized romance with Swift. For Mahomes, having Swift in the picture has been a win not just for the Chiefs, but for his friend as well.

The combination of Mahomes’ elite performance on the field and Swift’s star power in the stands has undoubtedly elevated the Chiefs to new heights in terms of visibility and fan engagement. The partnership of talent, friendship, and cultural influence has made the Chiefs the talk of the NFL, and as Mahomes humorously pointed out, a little extra “buzz” never hurts when you’re already playing for greatness.

As Swift continues to make her mark in the world of football, and Kelce remains a star on the field, the Chiefs are riding a wave of excitement unlike anything we’ve seen before—thanks in part to the magic of celebrity connections and Mahomes’ recognition of how much this buzz has contributed to their success.