Taylor Swift’s Impact on the NFL
Pictured is Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. Photo courtesy of Patrick Smith for Getty Images.
Lilian Snyder | Contributing Writer
In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment and sports, unexpected collaborations and crossovers can sometimes yield extraordinary results. One such phenomenon has taken the NFL by storm, as the magnetic presence of global pop sensation Taylor Swift has proven to be a game-changer for the league’s viewership. Swift has been dating Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. In a surprising turn of events, Swift’s involvement has resulted in a remarkable 7% increase in NFL ratings. Taylor Swift first appeared at a Kansas City Chiefs game in September of 2023 where the Chiefs defeated the Chicago Bears. She was seen in the Kelce family’s private suite alongside the tight-ends mother, Donna Kelce. She was then seen again at the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets game with many of her Famous friends such as Sophie Turner, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman. The camera kept angling towards Taylor Swift to get her reactions throughout the game. Travis stated on podcast “New Heights with Jason and Travis,” “I think it’s fun when they show who all’s at the game. I think it brings a little more to the atmosphere, brings a little bit more to what you’re watching, but at the same time, I think… they’re overdoing it a little bit, for sure, especially in my situation.” The NFL said in a statement to People magazine, “The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce news has been a pop cultural moment we’ve leaned into in real time, as it’s an intersection of sport and entertainment, and we’ve seen an incredible amount of positivity around the sport. The vast majority of our content has remained focused on the game, our players and variety of other initiatives.” The NFL is going to seize this opportunity. Swift has attended 12 Kansas City Chiefs games now.
The leagues value has increased by $122 million in its overall value in just a few months. Beyond the numbers, there’s an intriguing shift in demographics, with a notable rise in female viewership, marking a significant moment of transformation for the traditionally male-dominated realm of American football. There has been a 53% increase among ages from 12-17 and a 34% increase in the 19-24 age demographic. “Particularly young and teenage girls who didn’t care about football now watch it,” says amour.
Many fans are also mad about Taylor Swift being a center of attention in the NFL. NFL fans are stating that the cameras cut too much to Swift. The Grammys took place on February 4th of 2023. Hosted by Trevor Noah. During the Grammy Monologue, Trevor noted, “I think it is so unfair how NFL fans have been complaining about the cameras cutting to Taylor Swift.” He then stated, “In fact, on Taylor’s behalf, you know what I’m gonna do?” he offered. “I’m gonna give her a break. Every time they mention Taylor Swift, I’m gonna get revenge. Every time someone says ‘Taylor Swift,’ I’m gonna cut the cameras to someone who played football. That’s what I’ll do—cut, bam, just like that! Oh, yeah, you like that, Terry Crews?! You better fix your face, Terry!” The camera cuts back to Swift laughing who thoroughly enjoyed this joke about the 12 Kansas City Chiefs games she attended this year.
The famous singer/songwriter has unfortunately been booed at many of Kelce’s games. Taylor Swift seems to ‘Shake it Off.’ Swift is already a paparazzi magnet. The two stars dating each other brings even more attention. Many people have come to Swift’s defense such as David Letterman stating, “It’s good for the footballers, it’s good for Taylor Swift and it’s something positive and happy for the world.” There is a hashtag going around now such as, #teamtaylor. Many people believe that this collision between the Music Industry and the Sports Industry is what the world needed.
Excited fans are now calling the Super Bowl, Swiftie Bowl. Taylor Swift fans are pumped to see the Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49’ers. Airlines are even naming flights into Vegas for the Super Bowl 1989, for her newest released album.
Swift is performing in Tokyo for her continuation of her ‘Eras Tour’ on February 10th. Taylor Swift will be making it to Vegas the following day to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce in Super Bowl LVIII.
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