Collaros close to joining ranks of Swifties

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros is the CFL’s reigning, two-time Most Outstanding Player.

But in the eyes of Swifties — the nickname for Taylor Swift’s diehard fans — Collaros’s biggest claim to fame might just be that he’s friends with the pop megastar’s rumoured boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Swift — arguably the most popular music artist in the world today — was at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday sitting beside Kelce’s mom, Donna, in a suite to cheer on the Chiefs in their 41-10 win over the Chicago Bears.

The Swift-Kelce story sent social media and celebrity gossip followers into a craze.

Collaros was roommates with Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce (star centre for the Philadelphia Eagles) when they played together at the University of Cincinnati.

“It’s been fun to follow along. I’ve had more questions from my wife about the Chiefs, even after two Super Bowls, than I’ve ever had, so it’s been interesting,” Collaros said after Monday’s practice.

Collaros isn’t the only one getting asked about the ultra-famous couple.

“Even my mom, who probably has no idea who Taylor Swift is, is getting questions asked to her at the local grocery story in Steubenville, Ohio, because the Kelces used to come home and visit her from time to time,” Collaros said.

“It’s been hilarious.”

Before Collaros can consider himself a Swiftie, he admits he needs to brush up on some of her latest tunes.

“When I was in school, in 2009, she came out with a good album,” Collaros said. “Since then I probably haven’t listened too much. I think she was playing the guitar back then, so that was more my style.”

Luckily he has two young daughters who can help him with that.

“I think I’ve watched the Shake it Off video over 10 million times with my kids,” Collaros said.

“My oldest can definitely sing the entire thing and I’m sure the youngest one, at this point, probably can too.”

Return of Hansen

Monday was a long time coming for global defensive end Thiadric Hansen.

It was the first time the 30-year-old from Germany has been able to practise since he tore his Achilles tendon in the 2022 Labour Day Classic in Regina.

Hansen has been a key contributor on special teams since joining the Bombers in 2019.

“After one year of (not being able to play), I felt so many emotions today. The best thing to compare it to is you feel like a little kid running around playing with your friends after you get grounded,” Hansen said after practice. “Coming back out there, that pretty much describes it the best.”

Hansen was dedicated to his recovery as he opted to spend the winter in Winnipeg so he could rehab at the team’s facility.

“It definitely took a lot of stress off me even though the winter isn’t as nice here, but it keeps you inside and keeps you really focused on that training,” said Hansen.

The rehab wasn’t so bad. It was the mental toll from having to stand there day after day and not be able to contribute on the field.

It’s the first major injury he’s had in his career.

“It was all fine until camp started. When camp started and I was on the sideline, I went into a little hole,” said Hansen.

“I just wanted to be out there, I didn’t want to be just working out. I wanted to be out there proving myself again. When the games started, it was also tough.”

Even though it’s late in the season, he feels he can still make an impact on 2023.

The Bombers would have to shift some things around on the roster in order for Hansen to play Friday’s home game against the Toronto Argonauts.

“That’s the main goal right now,” said Hansen.

“I’m working my way (back) and (have to) earn my spots back. I think I can contribute with my physicality and help the team out with whatever it needs.”

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Twitter: @TaylorAllen31