By Olivia Bowman

Taylor Swift.
Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi on Flickr.

Are Swifties becoming NFL fans? Are NFL fans becoming Swifties? Are dads and daughters bonding over football and pop music? Or is it all just a publicity stunt to gain likes and followers on social media? Like in high school, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are two names that do not belong in the same social cliques. One is a global pop sensation and world-renowned songwriter and singer, and the other is an NFL tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Travis Kelce.
Photo credit: All-pro Reels on Flickr.

It all started in July 2023, when Kelce was seen at Swift’s Eras Tour show in Kansas City. During the show, he traded friendship bracelets with fans and attempted to give a friendship bracelet with his phone number to Swift herself. However, Kelce failed to meet that goal, since Swift does not typically meet with fans, even famous Super Bowl champions like Kelce. Although Kelce claimed in his New Heights podcast that he was “a little butthurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her,” this did not stop Kelce from trying his best to meet the pop star. 

Interest in the couple exploded in mid-September when Swift was spotted at Arrowhead Stadium attending the Chiefs vs. Bears football game.

Swift at the Chiefs vs. Broncos game in Kansas City.
Photo credit: @taylorswift.updates13 on Instagram.

Seated next to Kelce’s superfan mom, Swift was seen cheering on Kelce and the team. As the camera followed Swift in the stadium, all eyes were on her, as she watched and supported the Chiefs in her trademark red lipstick. Collegiate student, and major Swiftie fan, Anne Randall Berkehyiser (‘25) admits that she “now loves watching the Kansas City Chiefs play, and am always, even if not watching, updated by my dad, if he sees any inkling of Taylor. He is also very excited, because now we have a connection to bond over.”

Swift cheering on the Chiefs.
Photo credit: @taylorswiftupdates13 on Instagram.

As more young fans have been watching the NFL on TV in hopes of catching a glimpse of Swift on their screen, there were reports of bad blood when “devoted NFL fans” were angered by all the media coverage of Swift. Such fans were frustrated over cameras focusing on Swift’s response to a bad play, and stadium ads advertising her Eras Tour movie. However, some football fans, like Collegiate student Ava Kelleher (‘25), aren’t deterred. Kelleher said, “I think that everyone is making a bigger deal than it is, and if people want to watch Taylor Swift during the game, then they will.”

Besides elevating Swift and Kelce’s star power, all the media coverage has also elevated the NFL. For example, after the October 1 Jets vs. Chiefs game, the NFL experienced the “Taylor Swift effect,” where about 20% of tickets were sold the night of Swift’s appearance. This caused the game to be second to the Cowboys vs. Patriots game for the highest-selling game of the weekend. Additionally, the NFL briefly updated its social media bio to match Swift’s lyrics and Swift’s media. For example, on X, the bio became “NFL (Taylor’s Version)” in support of Swift rerecording her albums. The NFL also did the same thing on TikTok, saying “9/24/23. Taylor was here.” Swift’s influential presence has caused a media frenzy any time she is seen at an event. Kelce also experienced a gain in followers on social media, and his football jersey became the number one seller online due to his connection with Swift. Even what Swift ate at football games caused another company, Heinz, to create a Seemingly Ranch condiment.

Swift and Kelce.
Photo credit: @taylorswift.updates13 on Instagram.

As Swift attended Chiefs game number two on October 1 in New Jersey, she was spotted alongside celebrities such as Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and more. Again, some NFL fans were angered by the coverage of Swift instead of the field. The camera followed Swift, and the NFL took advantage of her presence at the games, issuing a statement: “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.” Additionally, celebrities such as Swift at these games may be bringing more young girls to the NFL, just to get a chance to see her in the stands. According to USA Today, “Taylor Swift’s appearance and Kelce’s invitation may have aided in solving a long-running challenge for the National Football League: attracting Americans from Generation Z, including young American women and girls, to the franchise.” Additionally, one Swiftie fan shared on TikTok that “Taylor Swift is really about to make me watch a Chiefs game, isn’t she,” again prompting interest and increasing viewership for football.

As the NFL continues to “fan-girl” over Swift, Kelce has stepped in to say how the NFL/Swift coverage is going overboard with their Swift obsession. Additionally, on Saturday, October 16, Saturday Night Live featured Travis Kelce in a skit poking fun of the NFL’s obsession with Swift. 

Were we ready for it? In our wildest dreams, did we think that such a love story would capture the attention and create conversation during Sunday Night Football? Will Swift and Kelce be able to shake off all this media attention and live happily together? Stay tuned.