Football is back! As the NFL returns this week, fans across the country are gearing up to see their favorite players on screen. And while loyal viewers are looking forward to seeing their teams play it out on the field, some aren’t as excited to see a certain pop singer.
In a promo video shared to the official NFL social media accounts, the organization reflected on the past year of football, highlighting the teams’ big wins and accomplishments. In a few blink-and-you’ll-miss-it instances, Taylor Swift — who is dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — can be seen supporting her man from the stands, and celebrating with him on the field. Though the combined total of clips in which Swift, 34, can be seen likely adds up to less than a second, NFL fans aren’t pleased.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In an NFL promo clip shared in September 2024, Swift makes a few appearances, to the chagrin of some NFL fans.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
“Taylor Swift is in this video way too many times for me to take the NFL seriously,” said one person on X (formerly Twitter).
“Is this a Taylor Swift hype video or is this about football?” said another.
As is par for the course, the Swifties caught wind of the haters, and have shared their support for the “Fortnight” hitmaker.
“Oh we gonna see grown adult men gonna cry about taylor swift again i love it,” said one Swiftie, reveling in the frustrations of NFL fans.
“cant wait for grown a** men to cry when Taylor is shown. WE BACK BABY!!,” said another Swiftie.
While some Swifties are having fun making quips about some NFL fans’ reactions, others have some strongly worded messages for the naysayers.
“Dear Misogynists and Incels,” said one X user, “the NFL is leveraging Taylor Swift, a strong, successful woman, to salvage their season. If that threatens you, be mad at football — not the billionaire who happens to be in a relationship with Travis Kelce.”
Dear Misogynists and Incels, the NFL is leveraging Taylor Swift, a strong, successful woman, to salvage their season. If that threatens you, be mad at football—not the billlionaire who happens to be in a relationship with Travis Kelce.
— jules (@juleshghn) September 3, 2024
One fan called out viewers for their hypocrisy, saying, “Its about time the ‘stop showing taylor swift’ nfl crowd gives up. They’re not gonna stop because they get way more engagement over it. And most of the engagements come from yall, not swifties.”
Its about time the “stop showing taylor swift” nfl crowd gives up. They’re not gonna stop because they get way more engagement over it. And most of the engagements come from yall, not swifties.
— FIRE DENNIS ALLEN AND MIKE BIANCO (@Scottferg03) September 4, 2024
But even if viewers choose to turn their heads away at Swift, they’ll still likely see her influence on the field. She’s already raked in millions for the league and the Chiefs, specifically. In an interview on The Rich Eisen Show, Kelce, 34, revealed that Swift has been very involved during training.
“She’s really interested in football, she asks a lot of great questions. She’s already drawing up plays so we might have to put one in,” Kelce said.
Chiefs fans (and Swifties) can tune in to see the Chiefs take on the Minnesota Ravens this Thursday, September 5 in the NFL season opener.
