The 72-year-old confidently walked alongside Taylor Swift as they entered Arrowhead Stadium on November 29, 2024.
Donna Kelce, Travis Kelce’s mom wore an outfit to the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders that sparked a wide range of reactions from fans, with many commenting on her bold fashion choice.
A fan comments on Donna Kelce’s outfit to the game between Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, from a post dated November 30, 2024 | Source: X/Yakov_Boravich
Donna opted for a chic ensemble featuring black leather pants from Belle by Kim Gravel for QVC, a black jacket adorned with the Chiefs logo, and white sneakers. Taylor Swift standing beside her, wore black pants paired with a trendy red coat and heeled boots.
Donna Kelce and Taylor Swift arrive prior to the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Their outfits didn’t sit well with one fan who wrote, “They look ridiculous.” Another user commented on Donna’s choice of attire, “Mama Kelce in leather pants. Hmm.” One more fan suggested Donna might be pushing the limits, “Someone tell mom she’s too old for leather party pants. Just no.”
Donna Kelce and Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One comment reflected shock, “Not Donna in leather pants 🫣.” A fan was visibly puzzled by the look, “Why in gods name is Donna Kelce wearing leather pants?” “Really! Those pants grandma! 🤦 smh,” another user disapproved.
Some fans wished she went for a different color, “Wish Donna wasn’t wearing black..” Another fan took note of her unusual attire, “They put her in leather pants lol.” Another felt she didn’t look comfortable in the outfit, noting, “Donna looks miserable.” However, an individual had mixed feelings, commenting, “Her hair is allways messy but I do think she a good mother [sic].”
Donna Kelce and Taylor Swift arrive prior to the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium | Source: Getty Images
On the positive side, one fan praised Donna’s confidence, “Donna looks cute in leather pants 🙂.” Another fan shared their appreciation for her style, “Donna is rocking it!” And a fan even gave her outfit some serious praise, “Yes Taylor looks good, but can we have a moment for Donna Kelce? Her fit is fire!”
Donna Kelce and Taylor Swift in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images
Donna was excited about her leather pants just as a few of her fans were. She said in a brief interview that the pants were better than regular ones. Donna explained, “They’re, you know, stylish in the front, but there’s a party in the back because they’re just regular cloth. Leather pants get really hot. So you need the back of your leather pants to be cloth so that you can air things out.”
She added that the pants, which are “really fun,” were very comfortable to sit in. “You don’t get hot, you don’t get, you know, it’s just nice,” she said.
Donna also promoted “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” which premiered on November 30, 2024. She urged people to watch the Hallmark Channel holiday movie, in which she stars. The film showcases the unifying power of love and sports, with a touch of holiday cheer.
Donna also shared that one of the scenes in the movie shows her wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, which her son Travis Kelce signed “Love you, Mommy!” She recounted the loving bond between her and Travis, noting that her son always calls her mommy.
Away from this recent event that caused a stir, Donna also drew fan attention when she was recognized as one of Glamour’s 2024 Women of the Year alongside Tina Knowles, Jodie Baird, and Mandy Teefey. Some people felt that Donna, wasn’t worthy of being included in the lineup.
One user remarked, “I don’t know how Donna Kelce rates as a cover mom. Lots more deserving.” This sentiment was echoed by others, questioning, “Why is Travis Kelce’s mama there?” and asserting that “Donna Kelce has no place here.”
One comment asked, “No disrespect at all, just genuine interest. How comes Kelce is featured? Who is he in comparison to the other icons? [sic]”
Donna and Travis Kelce prior to a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 7, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Another user remarked sarcastically, “So she got this…for what, exactly? Existing? She apparently never taught Travis basic household skills lol.” This comment was in reference to when Donna revealed what Travis Kelce can’t do, “He can’t clean, he can’t cook… he’s getting a little better. I think he’s getting some help.”
Donna and Travis Kelce during the Kelce Jam at Azura Amphitheatre in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on April 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The disapproval continued with a user criticizing the family’s perceived self-importance, “Omg! This family. 🤢🤢🤢 I can’t decide who is worse – the sons or the mom. So hungry for fame.”
Other users expressed their disdain while giving more details, “Oh poor Donna. You have to rent out movie theaters/restaurants!!! Feel so sorry for you & all your privilege. Maybe you, Taylor, and your clout chasing family should’ve thought about that beforehand 🙃 [sic].”
Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The user was referring to Glamour’s interview where Donna was asked if she missed doing anything with her sons. The mom of two had replied that they can’t really go anywhere, noting that if they want to do something, they have to rent out a restaurant or movie theater. However, she mentioned that they occasionally manage to sneak away to places that are not widely known.
Donna and Travis Kelce at the premiere of Netflix’s “Quarterback” at Netflix Tudum Theater in Los Angeles, California, on July 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Such statements from Donna had users pointing out the family’s disconnect, “…. so…. out of touch…. i can barely afford surviving. i mean i get that being known and perceived is annoying but you can lie… the inflation is going crazy, the interview isn’t doin them any good pr [sic].”
Donna Kelce at the world premiere of Thursday Night Football’s “Kelce” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 8, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Some users didn’t believe Donna deserved to be on the same cover as Billie Eilish’s mom, Maggie, with one commenting, “Billie’s mom is an activist and uses the attention she gets for good like creating her nonprofit ‘support and feed’. She’s the reason Billie is so vocal about climate change and other issues that are important to her so I love seeing Maggie on the cover. Donna though?? not so much.”
Donna Kelce on “Today” on October 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
On the flip side, other fans were quick to defend Donna, with comments like, “Mama Kelce 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 You raised amazing sons, humble, talented and hilarious!!!” Another user cheered, “Go Mama Kelce!!! Very deserving❤️❤️❤️,” while one proclaimed, “🙌 Yes @donnakelce! The best mom and raised 2 good men!!”
Donna Kelce on “Today” on April 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to Donna, she raised her sons to be “unashamedly themselves,” a quality they inherited from her. As the proud mother of Jason Kelce and Travis, she experienced the thrill of watching them face off in opposing teams during the 2022 Super Bowl.
Travis Kelce carries the ball against the NFC during the second half of the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Donna cannot hold her joy back at how great her sons are, saying, “Both boys, whatever they have tried to do… whenever they have tried to do something, they’ve tried to put their whole heart into it and try to do it the best they can. That’s just their nature. That’s something I didn’t teach them, that’s in their DNA.”
Donna also shared insights about Travis’s personality, noting that he thrives under the spotlight. She emphasized that he has a vibrant zest for life and is the kind of person who ensures everyone around him is laughing and enjoying themselves.
She added, “He loves attention. I mean it, he’s always dancing, always joking around, always having fun things done. He just loves life.”
In addition to being a supportive mom, she has her own pursuits. She made her onscreen debut in the Hallmark Channel movie, “Christmas on Call,” which was released in November 2024.
Donna Kelce at the premiere of FX’s “Grotesquerie” held at Spring Studios in New York City, on September 23, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She spoke about her experience shooting the film, particularly highlighting the challenges of filming in winter clothes during the sweltering summer heat.
Donna, a former commercial banker, who was also her family’s breadwinner, reflected on the progress she and her children have made. She believes it’s vital for kids to understand that a woman can pursue her dreams. Having spent a long time standing still, she feels a sense of fulfillment in finally making her own moves.
