Former New York Giants legend and current Fox Sports analyst Michael Strahan has spoken out in support of Taylor Swift‘s presence in the NFL spotlight, calling it a positive development-even if it’s ruffled feathers among long-time football fans.
Swift, a global pop icon, has frequently been seen at Kansas City Chiefs games since she began dating tight end Travis Kelce in 2023.
Her regular appearances on NFL broadcasts have sparked mixed reactions, with traditionalists in the fan base criticizing the coverage as a distraction from the game.
However, Strahan disagrees. Speaking to Sports Business Journal, he said, “Sports have leaked into pop culture. Taylor Swift is one of the best things to happen to the NFL.”
Taylor Swift’s NFL appearances spark controversy-and record viewership
Swift‘s presence at games, particularly during high-stakes matchups, has clearly had an impact.
Though she was booed by a majority of fans in attendance at February’s Super Bowl in New Orleans-largely populated by Philadelphia Eagles supporters-it’s unclear if the reaction was due to general dislike or simply because her boyfriend plays for the opposing team.
Regardless, Swift‘s influence is hard to ignore. The 2024 Super Bowl, broadcast on Fox, became the most-watched in NFL history, drawing over 127 million viewers as the Eagles defeated the Chiefs.
Analysts have credited part of that record-breaking audience to Swift‘s immense following, particularly among younger women and new fans who might not otherwise watch football.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also praised Swift ahead of the Super Bowl, emphasizing her broader appeal. “Having the ‘Taylor Swift Effect’ is a positive,” Goodell said.
“It creates another group of young fans, particularly young women, that are interested in seeing, ‘Why is she going to this game? Why is she interested in this game?'”
He added that Swift isn’t merely attending games for Kelce’s sake. “Besides Travis, she is a football fan, and I think that’s great for us.”
Goodell, who has attended her concerts with his family, described Swift as “a remarkable performer” and “the best of the best.”
As the NFL continues to embrace crossover appeal and broader audiences, Strahan and Goodell‘s support signals a shift in how the league views its relationship with pop culture-and how stars like Swift are helping redefine its reach.
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