Despite Taylor Swift being at Arrowhead Stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs game on Christmas Day, it was diehard Chiefs fan Caitlin Clark who seemed to receive the most celebrity attention at the game.
The Iowa women's basketball star — who has been a lifelong Chiefs fan — appeared to be everywhere during her favorite team's 20-14 loss to the Raiders. Before the game began, Clark — the University of Iowa legend, reigning AP Player of the Year, and all-but-guaranteed first overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft (if she decides go to pro) — was spotted on the sidelines of Arrowhead stadium, patiently waiting for kickoff.
It didn't take long for Clark to catch the attention of a few Chiefs players. First, it was Chris Jones, the Chiefs' All-Pro defensive lineman, who came over to Clark for a hug and photo. A few moments later, Chiefs rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice made his way over to Clark, and the duo conducted a jersey swap and photo-op.
College basketball royalty in the house at Arrowhead ? pic.twitter.com/iicshPPoF8
— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) December 25, 2023
Given that both jerseys were already signed by each player, it's clear that this trade had been agreed upon in advance by Clark and Rice. We can't blame either player for wanting some autographed merchandise from the other. "Game recognize game," as they say.
However, that wasn't all for Clark. At some point during the game, the Iowa star headed up to the commentary booth and posed for a photo with CBS commentators Jim Nantz and Tony Romo. While Clark didn't make an appearance on the broadcast — as she did during ESPN's "ManningCast" over a month ago — it's still cool to see Clark get shown some love by CBS.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs didn't gift Clark and their other fans a win for Christmas. Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs started the game sluggish and sloppy, and they couldn't seem to do anything right on offense. Despite showing some signs of life later on in the game, the Chiefs — who are now 9-6 — weren't able to do enough to defeat the 7-8 Raiders at home on Monday.
Hopefully, the defending Super Bowl champs can right the ship in time for the playoffs. Otherwise, Clark, Swift and all other Chiefs supporters will be stewing about their squad's shortcomings this offseason.
