NBC’s Sunday Night Football social media team stirred up a frenzy on Friday with a Taylor Swift-inspired post connecting the pop superstar’s record-breaking Eras Tour to the achievements of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The playful graphic celebrated the couple’s respective milestones, but it also elicited a strong mix of reactions from fans across the spectrum.
A Taylor Twist on Football Stats
The post, shared across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), highlighted Kelce’s impressive performance since the start of Swift’s Eras Tour on March 17, 2023. The caption read, “Karma is the numbers on the screen,” referencing Swift’s hit song Karma while displaying Kelce’s stellar stats.
Since the tour began, Kelce has racked up 168 catches—the most of any NFL tight end—along with 1,671 receiving yards and a Super Bowl LVIII ring. Beside Kelce’s stats, the graphic also showcased Swift’s staggering accomplishments during the same period: 152 shows across five continents, more than 11 million tickets sold, and upwards of $2 billion in ticket sales.
The timing of the post was no coincidence. Swift’s final show of the Eras Tour coincides with the Kansas City Chiefs’ Sunday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, set to air on NBC.
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Mixed Reactions from Fans
As expected, the post sparked heated reactions among football fans and Swifties alike.
Some NFL fans voiced their disapproval, arguing that Sunday Night Football should stick to its core focus.
- “Delete this post,” one Instagram user demanded.
- “Remember when SNF posted about FOOTBALL?” another quipped.
Others took issue with comparing Swift’s accomplishments to Kelce’s.
- “Taylor Swift doesn’t need to be compared to anyone else for clicks,” a Swiftie ranted on X. “We’re happy she’s happy in her relationship, but she stands alone in her achievements.”
However, not everyone was critical. Many Swifties and casual fans found the post entertaining and appreciated the creative nod to the couple’s high-profile relationship.
- “I love these stats lol I also love how uncomfortable it makes the brads and chads,” one user joked on Instagram.
- “This page became a Taylor fanpage, and I’m here for it,” another added.
A Busy Night for Both Stars
Swift’s final show of the Eras Tour takes place Sunday night in Vancouver, meaning she won’t be in attendance at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ AFC West showdown. Despite her absence, Swift has been a fixture at Kelce’s games this season, attending six of them—all in Kansas City—where the Chiefs have gone undefeated in her presence.
On the flip side, some Swift fans were disappointed that Kelce wouldn’t be free to attend her Vancouver concert. Over the course of the tour, Kelce has made appearances at 14 of Swift’s shows in cities like London, Paris, and Buenos Aires.
A Lighthearted Moment Before the Game
While the post drew some backlash, it also underscored the broader cultural impact of Swift and Kelce’s relationship, which has captured headlines throughout the NFL season. For Sunday Night Football, the playful graphic was a way to tap into that buzz while bridging the worlds of music and sports.
As the Chiefs prepare to take on the Chargers, one thing is certain: Swift and Kelce’s influence reaches far beyond their respective fields, uniting—and occasionally dividing—fans from all walks of life.
With Swift’s tour concluding and the NFL season heating up, the intersection of their careers continues to be a storyline that captivates millions.
