A segment of NFL fans has expressed fatigue over television networks consistently featuring Taylor Swift during Kansas City Chiefs games, where she passionately supports her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. In response to these sentiments, Jason Kelce, Travis’s older brother and center for the Philadelphia Eagles, had a message for those critical fans.
During Pro Bowl festivities on Friday, the 36-year-old Eagles center spoke with Cincinnati’s WCPO-TV, emphasizing that the attention given to Swift is a direct result of audience demand. “The attention is there because the audience wants to see it,” Kelce stated, addressing the controversy. “I mean, if people didn’t want to see it, they wouldn’t be showing it, I know that.”
Kelce went on to highlight Taylor Swift’s global popularity, describing her as the quintessential artist of the moment—a singer-songwriter with immense talent and an extraordinary role model for young women worldwide. He believes that the NFL would be remiss not to showcase Swift, who has become a significant presence at Chiefs games since her first appearance on September 24, when her relationship with Kelce gained widespread attention.
Throughout the NFL season, networks have consistently broadcast Swift’s reactions to plays involving Kelce and her interactions with Patrick Mahomes’ wife, Brittany. Despite occasional negative reactions, often manifesting as boos during the NFL playoffs, Swift has attended all three of the Chiefs’ recent victories.
Jason Kelce, who attracted attention himself during the Chiefs-Bills game for engaging with fans shirtless from a suite, defended the coverage, emphasizing Swift’s positive influence as a role model. He dismissed the criticism, stating, “So I think that the NFL would probably be foolish not to show her and be a role model for all the young girls out there.”
The ongoing coverage of Taylor Swift is expected to continue during the CBS broadcast of Super Bowl 2024 on February 11, where Swift is anticipated to be in Las Vegas for the Chiefs’ matchup against the 49ers, despite having an Eras Tour show scheduled in Tokyo on February 10.