The 2024 NFL season is officially underway, and once again, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off the action on Thursday night, continuing their reign as one of the league’s dominant teams. In what has become a near-annual tradition due to their continued success, the Chiefs will be featured in the highly anticipated “NFL Kickoff” game, this time facing the Baltimore Ravens.
But the buzz around the game isn’t just about football. News broke earlier in the day that Taylor Swift will be in attendance to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift, who was a visible presence during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run last season, has been seen as something of a good luck charm for the team. Her influence, however, extends far beyond just being in the stands, according to players like Patrick Mahomes.
Patrick Mahomes on Taylor Swift’s Impact on the NFL
When Chiefs coaches and players were asked about Swift’s influence since she began dating Kelce, Mahomes provided a thoughtful and revealing answer, highlighting the unexpected ways Swift has impacted the team and the NFL fanbase as a whole.
“I think the biggest thing that I noticed during the season was just that the kids were becoming more and more fans. You would see more younger girls that were fans of the Chiefs and wanted to really embrace football, and I thought that was cool to see,” Mahomes said. He added that Swift’s presence expanded the Chiefs’ fanbase, drawing in a demographic that had previously been less engaged with the sport. “It definitely expanded our fan base, but I think it was all for the better and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Mahomes’ comments reflect the significant shift in fan culture surrounding the Chiefs, as Swift’s global popularity has introduced a new wave of followers—particularly younger fans and women—who have embraced the sport because of her connection to Kelce.
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Swift’s Influence Acknowledged by Chiefs’ Leadership
It’s not just Mahomes who has recognized Swift’s impact. All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones and head coach Andy Reid have also praised the singer for what she’s brought to the team and its fans. Jones noted how Swifties, as her fans are affectionately known, have brought an energy and enthusiasm to Chiefs games that hadn’t been there before. Despite some skepticism from traditional football fans, the team is embracing this new fan base.
Reid, who is typically all business, even acknowledged the positive influence Swift has had on the Chiefs. “She’s brought a lot of joy to our fans, especially the younger ones,” Reid said with a smile during a recent interview. “I’d say it’s been great for the team. And hey, if she’s a good luck charm, we’ll take it!”
Swift’s Influence Goes Beyond Football
Swift’s presence at Chiefs games isn’t just about boosting the team’s popularity—it’s about widening the NFL’s reach in general. With one of the world’s biggest pop stars now linked to the sport, the NFL has gained access to a global audience, with fans who may have never been interested in football before suddenly tuning in. Swift’s influence is undeniable, and her impact on the Chiefs has not only broadened the fanbase but also energized the franchise.
As the 2024 season begins, all eyes will be on the Chiefs and Swift’s continued role as part of the team’s extended family.
Whether or not she’s a true good luck charm remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Taylor Swift has left an indelible mark on the Chiefs and the NFL, and the team is more than happy to have her along for the ride.
