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Taylor Swift continues to draw headlines for the sheer amount of screen time she receives during NFL games, especially when cheering on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The pop icon's appearances at Chiefs games have become a major talking point, dominating both broadcast coverage and social media throughout the 2024 NFL season.
Her visibility during games has sparked a cultural crossover moment between pop music and professional football. However, it hasn't come without criticism. While many fans welcome the added energy and new audience Swift brings to the sport, others have voiced frustration with what they see as overexposure.
The tipping point for some came during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, where Swift was reportedly booed by some Philadelphia Eagles fans as cameras panned to her in the crowd.
While public reactions are mixed, the conversation has made its way inside the league as well. In a player survey conducted by The Athletic in November, some NFL players itted they were growing tired of how often Swift was featured during broadcasts.
"It's bringing more attention to the game, but I feel like they've been using her face," one anonymous player said. "If she's at a game, they probably show her like six, seven times. People get ... sick of it if they keep doing it over and over again. So I think they've got to find a balance."
A pop culture phenomenon meets professional football
Despite some backlash, the Swift effect has been undeniable. The NFL has seen a measurable spike in viewership among younger and female audiences since her appearances began, and merchandise sales for Travis Kelce's jersey soared earlier in the season.
The crossover between Swift's global stardom and the NFL's massive platform has created a media juggernaut unlike anything in recent sports memory.
One former NFL great is defending her presence in the league. Michael Strahan, a Super Bowl champion and popular TV personality, sees her influence as a major positive.
Speaking at the Sports Business Journal's 4SE conference, Strahan didn't mince words.
"Sports have leaked into pop culture - and it's a win for everyone. Taylor Swift is one of the best things to happen to the NFL," he said.