FOX NFL Sunday’s Michael Strahan has praised Taylor Swift’s influence on the league, dubbing the pop sensation as “one of the best things to happen to the NFL.”
The ‘Anti-Hero’ singer has been a familiar face at Kansas City Chiefs games for the past few seasons, thanks to her high-profile romance with tight end Travis Kelce. Their relationship has bridged the gap between music and sports, captivating fans as Swift has even shown up at consecutive Super Bowls to root for her beau.
In turn, Kelce has been a pillar of support for his chart-topping girlfriend, accompanying her on various stops of her record-shattering Eras Tour worldwide. While the couple’s relationship has sparked curiosity globally, it hasn’t been without its critics – some have criticized game coverage for focusing too much on Swift.
Yet, many supporters have noted the Taylor Swift Effect, which has introduced football to new audiences as Swifties tune into NFL games to see their favorite star. Now, Strahan has weighed in on the pop star’s unexpected impact on the league’s global popularity.
“Sports have leaked into pop culture,” claimed the illustrious Fox NFL Sunday and Good Morning America anchor. “Taylor Swift is one of the best things to happen to the NFL.”
Strahan echoed a similar sentiment expressed by fellow NFL icon Troy Aikman last year. “I loved it, quite honestly. I loved it,” Aikman said. “I think that the fact that a generation of people got exposed to the NFL that, in all likelihood, wouldn’t have otherwise, I think is really positive. I think it’s fair to say the NFL liked it. I just wish we had more Chiefs games.
“I think at the end of the day, regardless of whatever else is going on, Joe and I, we do try to have some fun with whatever it might be.”
Weighing in on whether Swift has significantly boosted the league’s profile, he declared: “Not just with Taylor Swift, but whatever’s happening there. At the end of the day, people are tuned in because they want to watch football.”
He also suggested the global superstar could make a special appearance during a Monday Night Football broadcast, asserting: “Are you kidding me? We’ll escort her up.
DON’T MISS…
“There’s no doubt that if we could get her on Monday Night Football in the booth, we would interview her, and we’d have a place for her to sit, and she could take as long as she wanted. I say that now my producer may feel otherwise.”
Sports commentator Tony Dungy is among the chorus of skeptics regarding Taylor Swift‘s spotlight at sporting events, though, suggesting it reflects a growing fan disinterest in on-field action. “I think we’ll always have sports in some form or fashion. Some people are disenchanted with it,” Dungy said.
“That’s the thing that’s disenchanting people with sports now,” and added, “There’s so much on the outside coming in. Entertainment value and different things. Taking away from what really happens on the field.”
