Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros missed the wedding of his longtime friend Travis Kelce and pop star Taylor Swift on July 3, 2026, due to his Canadian Football League schedule.
The ceremony took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, drawing around 1,000 celebrity guests and was officiated by comedian Adam Sandler.
Collaros, who was roommates with Kelce at the University of Cincinnati, had to travel to Hamilton for Sunday's matchup against the Tiger-Cats instead of attending.
In a video posted to the Blue Bombers' Instagram account, the 37-year-old quarterback expressed his disappointment, explaining the rigid nature of professional football commitments.
"You can speak to any pro football player, part of this deal is you miss events like that," Collaros said.
He noted that the preparation requirements prevent players from taking personal time off during the season.
"It's not a normal job where you can take a couple days off and make up your work on the fly.
You've got to play a game," he added.
Collaros shared that missing major family and friend milestones remains a difficult part of his career.
"It's never easy," he said.
The quarterback felt particularly bad because Kelce had attended all of his milestone celebrations.
"I was bummed (to miss the wedding) because Trav came to all my stuff.
We had engagement parties, we had bachelor parties obviously, and our wedding up here," Collaros said.
The two athletes have remained close, along with Travis's brother Jason Kelce, who served as best man. The wedding featured custom Dior attire.
Collaros recalled joking with the couple during a recent phone call about the timing of the celebration.
"You guys could've taken a look at the damn schedule. But yeah, it is what it is," he said.
Meanwhile, former Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Chase Daniel noted his own absence from the guest list on social media.
"Can't believe my invite to Taylor & Travis' wedding never came," Daniel wrote on X.
He lightheartedly pointed out his minor historical connection: "Feels like throwing Travis Kelce his first NFL TD should've at least earned me a seat at the kids' table."
The newlywed couple's upcoming schedule remains private as the Blue Bombers prepare for their game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
