Like much of the less important data these days that cross the intersection of sports and pop culture, a betting website researched which players are the most popular in the NFL. I bet you can guess who comes in at number one and number two on the list. They both play for the Chiefs if you need a hint.

Before I reveal what we probably already know, let's examine the Top five NFL players who made the list. I suspect even the most casual football fan will know all the names:

Number 5: Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals

According to the research, Burrow rounds off the Top five most popular NFL players by generating 983,980 searches across the country this year.

Number 4: Brock Purdy of the San Franciso 49ers

Brock Purdy is fourth on the list and the lowest player to receive one million searches every month. Purdy led the 49ers to the 2024 Super Bowl, which increased his popularity.

Number 3: Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets

Two things happen if you're a competent quarterback who ends up playing for the Packers. One, you rub some non-Packer fans the wrong way. Two, you're going to be a known quantity in the NFL. While Rodgers has moved on to the Jets, he's still one of the most recognizable NFL players. He's searched for 1.56 million times every month across America, regardless of whether fans love or hate him.

If you're a football fan, there's a good chance you've already figured out who is number two and number one on this list. If you're a Chiefs fan, you probably figured it out by my headline alone.

Number Two: Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs

Our own Kansas City Chief Patrick Mahomes comes in at number two. Mahomes has done something that many other football players haven't done. He's football's Michael Jordan. He's the guy who makes it look easy, is a fierce competitor, and is all in on the field while being a nice, thoughtful man when the pads are off. He's the guy who makes watching the Chiefs and football fun for even the most casual or non-football fan out there.

As far as the data goes, the three-time Super Bowl MVP averages 1.67 million searches every month. Additionally, he ranks second in multiple states, including Missouri, where he receives 60,500 searches and is sandwiched between the most popular NFL player and Chris Jones.

The Most Popular NFL Player: Travis Kelce Kansas City Chiefs / Team Taylor

Is it any surprise that Travis Kelce is the most popular NFL player? Let's start with the fact he's a great player. How can you not love his attitude on and off the field? It's a bit of good-natured trash talk to hype up Chiefs fans. Intensity on the field. Not to mention being one of Mahome's go-to guys and their friendship.

Then, add a very compelling off-field personality. Add his brother, former Philadelphia Eagle Jason, and their podcast. Add the matriarch of the Kelce family, Donna, and I think Travis Kelce would already be one of the most popular NFL players.

Add in his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, and it just takes the entire thing to the next level. Take that one step further, since it seems both of them love each other, get each other, and seem to happily watch each other entertain and wow many fans while both at the top of their professions, and it's a perfect storm.

As far as the numbers go, Kelce is the most searched-for NFL player in 49 states. Travis generates 4.75 monthly Google searches, three million more than any other NFL player, including Mahomes.

I don't know about you, but I'm glad to be a fan of the Chiefs and Taylor Swift. Swift is just hitting her stride as an artist, and Mahomes and Kelce make the Kansas City Chiefs the best show on grass right now. Let's go for a Super Bowl Three-peat!