Disappointing: WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Names NFL Rival as Favorite Player — and It’s Not a Chief
Although Caitlin Clark grew up as a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and has a well-known friendship with tight end Travis Kelce, the rising WNBA star recently caught fans off guard by revealing a surprising NFL preference.
Clark, a standout rookie with the Indiana Fever, has long been associated with the Chiefs—often spotted at Arrowhead Stadium and maintaining close ties with players like Kelce. But during a recent interview on The Eli Manning Show, she named an unexpected favorite NFL player.
“For all-time, I’m going with Peyton [Manning],” Clark told Eli Manning, acknowledging she even had a Peyton jersey as a kid. “Not to upset you, Eli, but I had one growing up,” she added with a laugh.
The comment stood out given Manning’s time with the Colts and Broncos—both AFC rivals of the Chiefs. For a self-professed lifelong Chiefs fan, it was an eye-opening pick.
Still, Clark has made it clear where her loyalties lie. Her appearances at Chiefs games, including a notable one alongside Taylor Swift in a suite during a game against the Texans, speak to her deep-rooted fandom. However, not everyone was convinced.
ESPN’s Chris “Mad Dog” Russo once criticized her, accusing her of hopping on the Chiefs bandwagon. “Now she’s suddenly a huge Chiefs fan? Come on,” he said. Some social media users echoed his doubts.
But during an appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Clark set the record straight. “I’ve been a Chiefs fan since I was a little girl,” she explained. “My dad, my brother, and cousins in Kansas City were all fans. It’s what I grew up with.”
She reminisced about her childhood, describing a basement decked out with a Chiefs vending machine and toy helmets used for playful games with her brothers.
Eventually, even Russo softened his stance, admitting during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show that he may have been too harsh. “I guess I owe her an apology,” he conceded. “I’m Chief’d out.”
Despite her admiration for Peyton Manning—an NFL legend—Clark’s connection to Kansas City hasn’t wavered. Her bond with Travis Kelce remains strong, with the star tight end praising her talents on New Heights.
“She’s incredible. Easily one of the most fun players to watch right now,” Kelce said. “She’s so kind and down-to-earth. She can talk to anyone. We’re cut from the same cloth in that way.”
Clark’s respect for Manning is simply a nod to greatness. As she carves out her own legacy in the WNBA, there’s no doubt she’ll soon become someone else’s all-time favorite.
