Taylor Swift, center, celebrates a Kansas City Chiefs touchdown with Ed Kelce, right, during the first half an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
As the NFL gears up for the 2024-2025 season, it’s not just the athletes who are stealing the spotlight. Grammy-award-winning global sensation Taylor Swift is once again front and center in the league’s promotional push.
In a new video released on the NFL’s official X account just recently, the “Cruel Summer” singer-songwriter’s presence is as prominent as any star player.
““FOOTBALL IS BACK THIS WEEK,” they wrote in the caption.
The 30-second clip, heralding the start of the upcoming season, revisits the highs of the previous year with a highlight reel that seamlessly weaves Swift’s appearances into the fabric of the NFL’s narrative.
From September’s dramatic kickoff with Aaron Rodgers charging onto the field to scenes of Swift cheering for her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, the video underscores her growing influence.
It also captures moments of her mingling with Kelce’s family and enjoying the games, culminating in a fan-like montage of their relationship’s milestones, including their Super Bowl celebration.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, right, and Taylor Swift hold hands following an NFL football game between the Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 27-20. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The NFL’s enthusiasm for Swift isn’t surprising given the impact she’s had since her debut at a Chiefs game last fall. Her attendance has been a game-changer for ratings, with a notable increase in viewership, particularly among female demographics.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently shed light on Swift’s genuine passion for football during an interview with NBC Sports’ Chris Simms.
Mahomes praised Swift for her authentic engagement with the sport, revealing that she’s not just a passive fan but actively involved, even asking insightful questions and drawing up plays.
As the NFL embraces this new era of celebrity involvement, Swift’s role has transformed from a mere spectator to an integral part of the league’s narrative, reflecting a broader trend of sports and entertainment convergence.
However, some fans were not happy about this increased focus on Swift, feeling it overshadows the athletes and the sport itself.
Critics argue that the NFL’s promotional strategy risks prioritizing celebrity over game performance, potentially alienating viewers who prefer a more traditional sports experience.
One user commented, “I thought this was football.”
This season, the league is set to maximize every moment, blending athletic prowess with star power in a way that captivates fans and keeps the excitement rolling.
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