Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Jena Sims is making headlines after playfully revealing that Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce is her celebrity “hall pass,” a comment that quickly caught the attention of sports and entertainment fans alike.

The model, actress, and philanthropist shared the lighthearted confession during a recent interview with People for its “WAG World” series, where she opened up about meeting the NFL tight end and her admiration for one of football’s biggest stars.

Sims, who is married to professional golfer Brooks Koepka, joked that her husband is fully aware of her celebrity crush.

“I was so excited to meet Travis Kelce. I mean, he’s my hall pass,” Sims said with a laugh. “Brooks knows that.”

The candid remark came as Sims reflected on her first meeting with Kelce earlier this year during the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, one of golf’s most high-profile events.

The tournament has become known for attracting athletes, celebrities, and entertainment figures from across the sports world.

Jena Sims Planned Her Outfit for the Meeting

According to Sims, she was so eager to meet Kelce that she carefully selected her outfit for the occasion.

“Brooks was like, ‘You’re so ridiculous,’” she recalled.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model explained that she intentionally chose a more athletic-inspired look than she would typically wear for a golf event, hoping to make a good impression when meeting the three-time Super Bowl champion.

While her comments were clearly made in jest, Sims emphasized that Kelce lived up to his reputation as one of the friendliest personalities in professional sports.

“He was so nice, so sweet,” she said.

The model added that Kelce took time to meet members of her family, including her nanny and her young son, Crew, during their interaction.

Kelce has become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world over the past several years, thanks to his success with the Kansas City Chiefs and his highly publicized relationship with global pop superstar Taylor Swift.

Known for his charismatic personality both on and off the field, Kelce has earned praise from fans and fellow athletes alike for his approachable nature.

Sims said she was especially impressed when Kelce recognized her during another encounter months later.

“At the Masters this past year, he came straight up to me and was like, ‘Hey, it’s good to see you again,’” she recalled.

The moment left Sims genuinely surprised.

“I’m like, ‘Oh my God. You remember me?’”

The interaction reinforced her positive impression of the NFL star and highlighted why Kelce continues to enjoy widespread popularity beyond football audiences.

Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift has become one of the most closely followed celebrity romances in recent years.

Since the pair first went public with their relationship, their appearances together have generated enormous interest across social media, entertainment news outlets, and sports media.

When asked whether she would be attending the couple’s rumored upcoming wedding, Sims laughed off the suggestion.

“I wish,” she said. “I don’t know them like that.”

Continuing the joke, Sims added, “I’ll be like, ‘It’s not too late, Travis!’”

Her comments were clearly made in a humorous and playful context, with the model emphasizing that she admires Kelce but does not have a personal relationship with the couple beyond their brief encounters.

Sims and Koepka have become one of golf’s most recognizable couples.

The pair first met during the 2015 Masters Tournament and developed a relationship that eventually led to marriage. They tied the knot in June 2022 in a lavish ceremony attended by family and friends.

In July 2023, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Crew.

Over the years, Sims has built her own successful career independent of her husband’s accomplishments. In addition to modeling for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, she has appeared in films, hosted charitable initiatives, and established herself as a prominent figure within the golf community.

Speculation surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s future continues to dominate entertainment headlines.

Recent reports have suggested that the couple is preparing for a highly anticipated wedding celebration in New York City, although neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed specific details.

The possibility of a wedding involving two of the world’s most famous celebrities has fueled intense public interest, with fans eagerly following every update regarding the couple’s plans.

As excitement surrounding Swift and Kelce continues to grow, Sims’ humorous comments offered a lighter and more relatable perspective on the NFL star’s widespread appeal.

For now, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model appears happy to keep the joke alive, while also praising Kelce for the kindness and friendliness that have made him one of the most beloved figures in modern sports and entertainment.