Saints' Khalen Saunders Says His Brother, Taylor Swift's Dancer, Will Cheer for Him vs. Chiefs: 'I Was Here First'
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Khalen played with the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022 before signing a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints
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Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders ; Taylor SwiftSaints' Khalen Saunders says his brother Kameron — who dances on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour — will be cheering for New Orleans over Kansas City when the two teams play each other on Monday Night Football.
Khalen, 28, immediately said, "Me, of course," when NBC reporter Fletcher Mackel asked about where his brother's loyalty lies ahead of the matchup between Khalen's new team, the Saints, and his former team, the Chiefs, where Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce plays.
The Saints defensive tackle continued, "He don't care about the Chiefs, he cares about his brother," noting that while Swift might Kameron's "boss" on the Eras Tour, "I'm his brother."
"I was here first," Khalen said teasingly, before adding that Swift will "hopefully" be at the game at Arrowhead Stadium after she missed the Chiefs' last two road games of the season.
"But if not, yeah, he's going to be on my side," Khalen continued. And while his brother was gifted a "key to the city in Kansas City," Khalen said, "that's beyond the point."
"He ain't going to be cheering for the Chiefs...He's going to be cheering for me because I'm paying for his ticket."
I asked #Saints defensive tackle and former Chiefs player Khalen "Bink" Saunders who his brother Kameron will be cheering for Monday night in Kansas City since Kameron is a choreographer/dancer for @taylorswift13#NFLpic.twitter.com/3cxirPWyuP
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) October 3, 2024
Kameron, 32, is a fan-favorite dancer on Swift's tour, and even performed alongside Kelce, 34, — his brother's former teammate — when the tight end made his on-stage debut with Swift in London on June 23.
After Kelce's performance with Swift and Kameron — a transition sequence before Swift performs her hit song "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" — one fan pointed out on social media that Kelce has now performed with both Saunders brothers.
Kelce and Khalen played together from 2019 until 2023, when Khalen left the Chiefs for a three-year contract with the Saints. In their seasons together, the pair took home two Super Bowls wins alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
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Khalen has been a strong supporter of his brother's career and the tour with Swift. In March 2023, before Swift had even met Kelce, Khalen took his daughter and his wife to watch Kameron and Swift perform during the first leg of the tour.
Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Kam Saunders"Just to think, my babies have seen their dad AND their Tete Goofy perform on a world stage," Khalen wrote at the time, sharing videos of Kameron dancing and his daughter proudly watching her uncle. "Excellent show last night @taylorswift you might really be the 🐐."
"And to my big brother, continue to inspire," Khalen added. "Myself, all those hopeful dancers, and the rest of the world needs people like you to look to when you need hope. Love you ❤️🤞🏾"
Kameron appreciated his little brother's words, replying, "Thank you! I love you with all I have! ❤️."
The Chiefs and Saints kick off their Monday Night Football matchup on Oct. 7 at 8:15 p.m. ET.
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