NFL Logo, Taylor Swift.Photo:NFL; Elsa/Getty Images
NFL; Elsa/Getty Images
After getting backlash from some football fans for their focus onTaylor SwiftandTravis Kelcethe last two weeks, the NFL is explaining its spotlight on the pop superstar amid her rumored relationship with the athlete.
Swift, 33, has made the trip for Kelce’s last two games — one in Kansas City on Sept. 24 and a second on Sunday in New York — which led the league to post about the “Anti-Hero” singer on their social media pages, including changing their Instagram bio to “The@Chiefsare now 2-0 with@TaylorSwift13in attendance” and briefly putting photos of Swift as their TikTok header.
But the attention towards Swift has led to annoyance from some football fans, which the NFL addressed Tuesday, explaining that the social media changes are a normal part of their strategy.
“We frequently change our bios and profile imagery based on what’s happening in and around our games, as well as culturally,” the NFL tells PEOPLE. “The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce news has been a pop cultural moment we’ve leaned into in real time, as it’s an intersection of sport and entertainment, and we’ve seen an incredible amount of positivity around the sport.”
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce.Michael Owens/Getty; Cooper Neill/Getty
Michael Owens/Getty; Cooper Neill/Getty
“The vast majority of our content has remained focused on the game, our players and variety of other initiatives, including our Toy Story Funday Football alt-cast, the international games and more,” the statement concluded.
His brotherJason Kelce, a 35-year-old center for the Philadelphia Eagles, posed the question during the episode. “Let’s get to it, is the NFL overdoing it?,” he asked his brother about the celebrity coverage. “What’s your honest opinion? Take away your feelings for Taylor…” which prompted a laugh from Travis.
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The Kansas City Chiefs tight end admitted, “I think it’s fun when they show who was at the game. I think it brings a little bit more to the atmosphere, brings a little bit more to what you’re watching. But at the same time I think-”
“They’re overdoing it,” Jason finished, to which Travis agreed: “They’re overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation. [But] I think they’re just trying to have fun with it.”
Taylor Swift cheers prior to the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets.Elsa/Getty Images
Elsa/Getty Images
Jason suggested that the NFL was “just not used to celebrities coming to the games” during the conversation. “Like basketball has it figured out,” he said. “They show them once or twice but then they get back to the game. NFL is like, ‘Oh my god look at all these A-lIst celebrities at the game, keep showing them, show em, show em…’ You show them once let them know they’re there and after touchdowns you get a little clip, but it can’t be overboard with it. People are there to watch the game right?”
Taylor Swift and Blake Lively cheer from the stands during an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs.Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Brittany Mahomesalso watched her husband Chiefs quarterbackPatrick Mahomeswhile taking in the big win from inside the suite with Swift aftergrabbing dinner with the popstar and her friendsthe night before.
source: people.com
