This is what kept Travis Kelce from Taylor Swift’s birthday celebration

Football comes first.

Headlines circled the globe on Wednesday night as Taylor Swift dazzled during a night out for her 34th birthday — and most included the all-important phrase: “Without Travis Kelce.”

Kelce is dating the most famous woman on the planet, but could not attend the star-studded birthday event for Swift in New York City.

Swift was seen out with close pal and actress Blake Lively as she celebrated the big night.

Kelce, however, was stuck at work.

The NFL star was back in Kansas City as the Chiefs prepare to take on the Patriots in New England on Sunday.

The Daily Mail captured evidence of his absence by photographing Kelce and his Rolls Royce on his way to practice — and nearly running over a squirrel!

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively out in New York City for Swift’s 34th birthday. TheImageDirect.com

Taylor Swift spent the evening with friends. GC Images

While Kelce could not be there on the actual birthday, it seems big plans are afoot to celebrate at some point.

A source told US Weekly that Kelce “wants to throw the best party possible” for Swift and “money is no object.”

It is unclear exactly when or where the festivities will be and whether Swift will be in attendance for Kelce’s game Sunday in Foxborough.

However, the couple already had a night out in Kansas City — along with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes — after Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Bills.

Travis Kelce at Chiefs practice before the 2023 Super Bowl. Getty Images

That was the sixth Chiefs game Swift has attended this season. She missed a Monday night showdown with the Eagles — and Kelce’s brother, Jason — while on the “Eras Tour” in South America.

The practice preparation is crucial for the Chiefs as their offense has scuffled below their usual standards this season.

Kansas City’s loss to Buffalo was highlighted by Kelce’s brilliant touchdown lateral to Kadarius Toney being overturned by a Toney offsides penalty.

The loss dropped the defending Super Bowl champs to 8-5, only one game ahead of the Broncos in the AFC West.

Travis Kelce throws a lateral to set up a touchdown that was overturned in the Chiefs’ loss to the Bills. Getty Images

“I think our defense is playing their asses off all year, man,” Kelce, 34, said on his “New Heights” podcast that was released on Wednesday.

“We’re not rolling like we have been in the past. And I know there’s a lot of media pointing fingers at some of the skill players that we have, and I say, f–k that, man, and excuse my language. We usually cuss in light-hearted ways, but I feel like you guys had to feel that, whoever’s talking s–t on the skill players in our offense right now.”