Eagle-eyed CFL fans got quite a thrill during the AFC Divisional Playoff matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, as the CBS broadcast captured Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Zach Collaros taking in the game alongside some famous friends.
The 35-year-old signal-caller was at Highmark Stadium to support his college roommate, Chiefs’ tight end and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Travis Kelce. He was caught on camera sharing a suite with an impressive Kelce entourage that included older brother Jason, an All-Pro centre with the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as Travis’ famous girlfriend, international recording artist Taylor Swift.
Fans first spotted Collaros during a shot of Jason pre-game, milling about in the crowd behind the elder Kelce.
However, suspicions regarding Collaros’ attendance were confirmed after the broadcast turned their attention to Swift, a multi-platinum-selling musician who was recently named Time‘s 2023 Person of the Year. As she was embraced by Brittany Mahomes, wife of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, following a Chiefs’ touchdown, the two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player can be clearly seen in the top right corner of the screen.
The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment sent CFL fans into a fervour, with some calling for a dedicated “Collaros Cam.” Fortunately, there was plenty of footage of that particular suite to comb through, as Jason Kelce went viral for his shirtless celebration following a Travis touchdown. The 36-year-old lineman reportedly played his final NFL game in Philadelphia’s playoff loss last week and was clearly letting loose a little.
Collaros and the Kelce brothers attended the University of Cincinnati and shared a house while playing for the Bearcats. They have remained close friends while going on to pro football stardom in separate leagues, winning a combined three Super Bowls and three Grey Cups.
The Bombers’ franchise pivot is likely bound for the Canadian Football Hall of Fame one day, having thrown for 28,599 yards, 184 touchdowns and 86 interceptions in his career. Both Kelce’s will surely earn the same enshrinement south of the border, as Jason was a six-time first-team All-Pro and Travis holds the NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end.
Collaros’ presence helped spark a classic performance from the 34-year-old Kelce, as he caught five passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Kansas City held on to defeat Buffalo 27-24, earning a berth in the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, January 28.
There is no word yet on whether Collaros has convinced Swift to bring The Eras Tour to Winnipeg.
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