The NFL's Angel: Taylor Swift

Whether or not you’re a football fanatic or a Taylor Swift fan, chances are you’ve heard about the newfound relationship between the pop star and the NFL tight end, Travis Kelce. This celebrity couple has become an internet sensation, particularly within the NFL. With both Swift and Kelce at the peak success of their careers, the public’s obsession with their relationship has reached new heights. Not to mention, Travis is the first professional athlete the singer has dated adding to the scrutiny on their every move. While many have enjoyed seeing Swift’s appearances during games and on social media, others have criticized her presence, even going so far as to say that Swift is ruining football. Nevertheless, Swift’s presence has been proven to positively impact the NFL, increasing revenue and overall attraction.

Since she started attending the games, Swift has made the NFL more than $300  million according to CBS and viewership is up seven percent from last season according to the NFL. Two out of the top four highest-rated Sunday Night Football games occurred when Swift was in attendance. After news of the relationship broke, Travis Kelce’s jersey skyrocketed by 400%. Despite the viewership numbers and statistics showing that Swift is in fact not ruining football, blame is still being put on the singer for the screen time she is said to be taking up. In a New York Times article titled “How Often Is Taylor Swift Actually Shown At N.F.L. Games” by Benjamin Hoffman, broadcast analytics were analyzed for each game. The conclusion drawn was that, on average, Swift’s appearances on screen amounted to less than 25 seconds throughout the three-hour broadcast. 

Swift has openly acknowledged the attention she receives at the games, admitting that she is unaware of how frequently she is being shown. “I don’t know how they know what suite I’m in. There’s a camera, like, a half-mile away, and you don’t know where it is, and you have no idea when the camera is putting you in the broadcast, so I don’t know if I’m being shown 17 times or once,” said Swift in an interview with Time Magazine. “I’m just there to support Travis. I have no awareness of if I’m being shown too much and pissing off a few dads, Brads and Chads.” Swift’s record label and publishing company have even restricted her music from being played at the Chief’s games to keep her professional career and her personal life separated.

After the Chiefs’ 25-22 win over the 49ers, it’s important to remember, especially given the added publicity, that Swift herself isn’t using the games for attention. Like any company would do, the NFL is using the pop star as a marketing tactic. Any celebrity who goes to NFL games gets recognized for attending. Swift is simply supporting her boyfriend as any male or female would do for their significant other. Swift’s presence at NFL football games has not only helped grow the league’s fan base but has also built a sense of community, encouraging people of all ages and genders to come together and enjoy the sport of football.