My first high school boyfriend was a star running back, and he tried to teach me the rules of football in my den, likely while the vibrant glow of TRL flickered in the background. He promised to score a touchdown for me, and at 15, I believed him, much like any young girl would when enamored with a boy. However, my fleeting interest in football faded as quickly as our relationship did.
Fast forward 27 years, and no man has managed to draw me into the world of gridiron fandom—until now. This past NFL season, Taylor Swift changed everything. After years of indifference, I found myself tuning into Kansas City Chiefs games, all thanks to Swift’s appearances at Arrowhead Stadium to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. The Super Bowl champion and potential Hall of Famer made his move on his podcast, New Heights, and it worked. Swift later described the moment as “metal as hell.”
“Look, she’s there!” my husband would shout from another room, or my parents would text me on any given Sunday. My almost 10-year-old daughter and I instantly knew who they meant. There was Swift, the reigning queen of pop, decked out in retro-chic gear, cheering alongside Donna “Mama” Kelce, or raising her cup at MetLife Stadium with friends like Antoni Porowski. She was living her best life, unapologetically enjoying the moment, and we were captivated.
This was a new chapter in the Swift universe. Last year, the magic of the Eras tour and the subsequent movie, combined with my daughter’s infectious enthusiasm, transformed me from a casual listener of Taylor’s hits to a budding Swiftie. I began to appreciate her storytelling prowess, the way she encapsulates the experiences of love, heartbreak, and ambition. I found myself eagerly watching her on live television, including the Golden Globes.
Swift’s engagement with football—showing up for Kelce, who later returned the favor at her concert in Argentina—added to the allure. Despite my private opinions about Kelce’s fashion choices, it was undeniably a love story. After my daughter and I started watching for Taylor, we found ourselves continuing to tune in for the games.
The notion that Swifties are a monolith, uninterested in the NFL, is both simplistic and inaccurate. My son’s budding interest in flag football and the NFL, along with our family’s obsession with Netflix’s Quarterback, helped bridge the gap. The series followed Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Kelce, revealing their backstories and the intricacies of the game. It was a dive into a world filled with strategy and technique, much like exploring the layers of Swift’s discography.
Months later, I not only knew about the playoffs but was genuinely invested in them. I cleared my schedule for the Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills game, feeling the tension of a potential road game against Josh Allen. I didn’t care if seasoned fans thought my newfound interest was ridiculous. It became a source of family bonding. We spent New Year’s Eve at Blondies, a legendary New York sports bar, watching multiple games and enjoying the atmosphere.
Swift’s presence at games has led to a surge in viewership, indicating that my children and I are not alone in this newfound fandom. Swift, who grew up as a de facto Eagles fan, expressed her surprise at how much she enjoyed football, saying, “Football is awesome, it turns out. I’ve been missing out my whole life.”
Many others have shared similar experiences. My friend Martha, a 41-year-old Swiftie in New Orleans, grew up in a household that shunned football. Now, she’s not only learning about Kelce but also his brother Jason, the Eagles center. She’s captivated by their stories, saying, “What are Swifties? We are people who love stories.”
Kevin Van Valkenburg, a former NFL reporter, found that his 14-year-old daughter Molly only became interested in football because of the Swift connection. Their discussions about Swift’s lyrics and the NFL have deepened their bond.
As a new Chiefs fan, I acknowledge the valid criticisms of the NFL regarding issues like domestic abuse and social justice. However, I believe that new fans, particularly those drawn in by Swift, represent a positive evolution for the league. We are a fresh demographic of viewers, merchandise buyers, and ticket purchasers, bringing a new energy to the sport.
Nora Princiotti, who covers the NFL, noted that the league is eager to welcome new fans, especially those from demographics they’ve historically struggled to engage. “They’re doing cartwheels,” she said.
Yet, not everyone is thrilled about Swift’s presence. Some male commentators have labeled her a distraction, lamenting the frequent camera cuts to her during games. Former Colts coach Tony Dungy expressed concern that entertainment value is overshadowing the game itself.
This criticism often veers into misogyny, with some in the NFL media blaming Swift for Kelce’s performance. Comments suggesting that her presence is detrimental to the Chiefs are not only tired but also reflect a deeper issue of gatekeeping in sports.
Travis Kelce is a professional athlete capable of performing at an elite level, and the idea that he would falter due to a relationship is absurd. Princiotti pointed out that if Kelce is struggling, it’s his responsibility, not Swift’s.
The backlash against Swift seems to stem from a discomfort with her influence in a traditionally male-dominated space. As Swift herself noted, this group of critics can be characterized as “the dads, Brads, and Chads.”
Despite the negativity, the Swift/NFL crossover has brought joy to many. Princiotti described it as “watching a Mad Lib come to life.” Van Valkenburg shared his excitement about trading memes with his daughter, celebrating the unique blend of their interests.
This cultural exchange has enriched both worlds. Molly introduced her father to the depth of Swift’s lyrics, and he found himself moved by her storytelling.
As a new Swiftie and Chiefs fan, I don’t claim to know everything about either realm. I understand that die-hard fans may be skeptical of newcomers, but what matters most to me is sharing this experience with my children. The joy of trash-talking and bonding over football fills my heart with happiness.
In a delightful twist, the Kansas City Chiefs and Hallmark have teamed up for a holiday movie titled Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. This film, set to begin production soon, will be filmed entirely in Kansas City, including at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium.
The partnership between Hallmark and the Chiefs aims to blend the warmth of Hallmark storytelling with the excitement of professional football. It’s a celebration of community spirit and tradition, showcasing the passionate fanbase that defines Kansas City.
In the movie, Alana Higman, a lifelong Chiefs fan, believes her family is a frontrunner for the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Derrick, the Director of Fan Engagement, is tasked with evaluating her family against other finalists. As they spend time together, a spark ignites, but when a vintage Chiefs hat goes missing, Alana begins to question her beliefs about fate and destiny.
This collaboration marks a significant moment for both organizations, uniting their fanbases in a unique way. With plans for game-day activations and co-branded merchandise, the partnership aims to engage audiences both on and off the field.
As the NFL continues to expand its reach, the crossover between pop culture and sports is becoming increasingly evident. The Swift effect is real, and it’s reshaping the landscape of fandom in ways we never anticipated.
In conclusion, the love story uniting pop music and the NFL is a testament to the power of connection. Whether through the lens of a budding Swiftie or a new football fan, the joy of shared experiences and storytelling transcends boundaries. As we embrace this new era of fandom, we celebrate the magic that happens when two worlds collide.
Source: Vogue, Hallmark, NFL
