The actor who went viral for his spot-on Rob Gronkowski portrayal on the new Aaron Hernandez drama is hoping to strike gold again with his upcoming role as Travis Kelce … telling TMZ Sports he wants to win over the Swifties!!
Laith Wallschleger became an overnight sensation after his scenes as the legendary New England Patriots tight end premiered on “American Sports Story” … with fans pointing to his perfect impression of Gronk’s signature laugh.
As it turns out, Laith has had a while to study the subject … ’cause he’s actually been pretty tight with Gronk over the years — even partying with the four-time Super Bowl champ on countless occasions.
Wallschleger said it’s been a “complete whirlwind” since the show aired … and he’s proud to be the comic relief for such a dark project.
As for what’s next, Wallschleger — who has also been a stand-in and stunt double for other NFLers like the Watt Brothers and Zach Ertz in the past — is now focused on his upcoming Lifetime movie “Christmas in the Spotlight,” which is about a pop superstar and football player falling in love (sound familiar??).
The project clearly took inspiration from Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s romance … and Wallschleger — a former football player himself — wants all the Grammy winner’s fans to appreciate what he brings to the table.
We also chopped it up with Wallschleger about another interesting gig he had recently — being a model for Depends — and he explained why it was something that actually meant a lot to him.
Taylor Swift gives special nod to Travis Kelce during Eras Tour concert in New Orleans
Taylor Swift seemed to give another nod to her boyfriend Travis Kelce at her Eras Tour show in New Orleans on Friday night.
While singing the outro to “Midnight Rain,” the pop star appeared to act as if she was throwing a football.
A video of her miming the move, which was shared on social media, has since prompted excitement from Swifties as fans believe the gesture was a clear message to the Super Bowl champion.
Taylor Swift seemingly gave a sweet nod to her NFL boyfriend Travis Kelce during her Eras Tour show in New Orleans on Friday night.Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
As the singer performed her song, “Midnight Rain,” the singer appeared to mimic throwing a football — which fans think is a gesture to the Super Bowl champion.Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Swift made a similar nod to the Kansas City Chiefs player when she performed on the European leg of her Eras Tour over the summer.
Though Kelce couldn’t attend some of the singer’s shows in Dublin due to NFL obligations, the singer still let her beau know he was on her mind as she performed his signature Archer’s pose on stage and sang the same outro with the following lyrics: “And he never thinks of me / Except when I’m on TV.”
The Grammy winner also wore some special jewelry signifying her feelings for the football player, including a Tiffany & Co. Tiffany T Diamond Wire Ring ($2,675), which features a duo of diamond-dotted Ts — the couple’s initials.
Swift made a similar nod to the tight end when she performed on the European leg of her Eras Tour over the summer.Getty Images
The singer was seen hitting Kelce’s signature Archer’s pose on stage as she performed the same song.Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
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Most recently, Swift called out her boyfriend during her final Eras Tour show in Miami last weekend in light of his absence when she once again changed the lyrics of her hit song “Karma.”
She edited the lyrics of the hit song from “Karma is the guy on the screen” to “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me.”
The change to the lyrics prompted the crowd to erupt into cheers, according to fan videos from the show shared online.
Swift also called out her boyfriend during her last Eras Tour show in Miami last weekend.Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
She changed the lyrics to her song “Karma” from “Karma is the guy on the screen” to “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me.”Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Swift has changed the lyrics to “Karma” a handful of times outside of the October show — however, she normally has done so with Kelce in the audience to witness it.
Though he was unable to attend any of her Miami shows, Kelce’s family showed up to support the singer.
His brother, Jason Kelce, brought his wife, Kylie, and their two daughters, Wyatt, 4, and Elliotte, 3, to one of the shows. Travis and Jason’s mom, Donna Kelce, was also in attendance.
