A Love Story Beyond the Field
The Chiefs’ narrative goes beyond the headlines of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Take, for instance, former Kansas City backup quarterback Chase Daniel and his wife, Hilary. They recently shared their experiences from 2013 on Daniel’s YouTube channel, recalling what it was like during free agency.
“He was set to be a free agent in 2013, and I knew he wasn’t returning to New Orleans. He could sign anywhere, and I thought, well, I’m not sure how this long-distance relationship will work,” Hilary admitted, reminiscing about her time as a morning news anchor for a local NBC station in Topeka, Kansas.
Chase tweeted, “My life changed overnight when I signed with the Chiefs. So did hers. There are stories no one tells, and your partner’s viewpoint might be more crucial than you realize.”
Hilary continued, “I hated to mention anyone at the last minute, but a few days before free agency, Chase’s email arrived saying, ‘By the way, the Chiefs are interested.’ If you know the Midwest geography, you know Topeka is in the Chiefs’ viewing area. I remember thinking, ‘I’m not getting my hopes up, but who knows?’”
The defining moment came in March 2013, when the Chiefs decided to bring Daniel on board as a backup to Alex Smith.
“I recall getting that email from Chase while staying at my parents’ place that Sunday night,” Hilary said, “and I thought, ‘You might get to be a Chief.’ That was such a big day for us. In fact, it’s one of my top five happiest memories of our relationship—the excitement was just overwhelming.”
Daniel, who went undrafted from Mizzou in 2009, spent 2013 to 2015 with the Chiefs before moving on to play for teams like the Eagles and Chargers. He retired in September 2023, returning briefly to the Saints.
Married in 2014, during Daniel’s second year in Kansas City, they now have three children together.
The Chiefs are currently navigating free agency while trying to recover from a tough 6-11 season in 2025.
Recently, they signed 2026 Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker from the Seahawks and re-signed tight end Kelce, 36, to a one-year, $12 million deal.
In a curious twist, Kelce, who has celebrated three Super Bowl victories with the team, is reportedly planning to marry Swift, also 36, before the upcoming season.
