Bears’ Joe Thuney Sends Message on Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift Engagement

The Chicago Bears may be in the midst of preparing for the 2025 NFL season, but that hasn’t stopped players from taking time to celebrate special moments around the league. One of those came this week, when Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce announced his engagement to global pop star icon Taylor Swift.

The news, which broke on Tuesday through concurrent Instagram posts from the couple, quickly captured headlines worldwide. The posts showed Kelce’s proposal in a Missouri garden, complete with a cushion-cut diamond ring and the caption, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”

But beyond the celebrity buzz, Bears All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thuney sent a heartfelt message to the newly engaged couple.

Joe Thuney Sends Heartfelt Message to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

Thuney, who joined the Bears this offseason in a major trade with Kansas City, played alongside Kelce for four seasons with the Chiefs (2021-2024). The two grew close during their shared time in Kansas City’s locker room, where Kelce’s leadership and personality left an impact on teammates.

When asked about Kelce’s engagement after Bears practice, Thuney sent a heartfelt response.

“I wish them nothing but the best,” Thuney said. “Travis was an unbelievable teammate. Wish him all the happiness in the world, and Taylor. It’s amazing.”

Thuney was also asked if he had any advice for the couple, and he smiled and replied with, “I’m sure they got it handled.”

Thuney’s words highlight the respect Kelce’s teammates had for him in Kansas City. The offensive lineman’s comments also serve as a reminder of the relationships that extend beyond the game. For Thuney, who is now tasked with protecting Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, his connection with Kelce reflects the brotherhood that can be built even when players eventually take different paths in the league.

Bears Kicker Cairo Santos Reflects on Kelce’s Character

Like Thuney, Bears kicker Cairo Santos reflected after the team’s final preseason game against the Chiefs, describing Kelce as more than just a former teammate, but as a valued friend.

“Can’t say enough about the person that he is and he gave me a big hug there at the end and said he missed the memories that we had,” Santos said. “I asked if he had a kicker jersey and he said, ‘Well, shoot me yours and I’ll shoot you mine.’ Yeah, so super grateful for the friendship we had since I was here and also the admiration I have for the person that he continues to be through all the stardom.”

Entering the league as a rookie back in 2014, Santos immediately bonded with Kelce, and the two have remained friends ever since.

The Bears’ perspective on Kelce’s engagement offers a glimpse into the relationships that define the NFL. For both Thuney and Santos, their experiences with Kelce underline why his personal life has drawn so much public admiration. Swift herself has highlighted Kelce’s loyalty and ability to maintain strong friendships as one of the early “green flags” in their relationship.

And while Kelce now makes headlines for more than just his play on the field, his former teammates on the Bears couldn’t be happier to see him thriving both personally and professionally.