In The Stylus’ last issue, there was an opinion piece on how Taylor Swift attending Kansas City Chiefs detracts from the team’s clout. While I can understand some of the reporter’s points, I completely disagree with the basis of the article.

First off, it can be assumed that Swift being at the games did not distract her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, or any of the other Chiefs players as the team won Superbowl LVIII, where Swift was in attendance. Also, the team is currently world champions. Having a celebrity at their games only added to their clout, but it did not change what the Chiefs are known for: being great at football.

Another criticism of the Swift coverage is that she is shown too frequently in the televised viewing of the games. However, the New York Times calculated that Swift was on screen for 0.46% of the entire screen coverage for each game, about 25 seconds per game. Seeing as how the coverage of a game typically lasts longer than three hours, I think fans need to calm down over seeing Taylor Swift for 25 seconds.

She is the number one globally streamed artist of 2023 with over 26.1 billion streams on Spotify. Of course, the NFL will show her. I think it is a smart business move on the NFL’s part as this year’s Superbowl was the most-watched television program in history.

Also, there are so many benefits of Swift attending the games. Little girls all over the world are gaining interest in the NFL. This has given a lot of dads an opportunity to bond with their daughters in a way they may have never considered before. Personally, I grew up watching football with my family. I ended up taking an actual interest in the game when I was around 10 and had my dad explain all the rules to me.

To this day, I will still call him after every game and we analyze the different plays and talk about the highlights, but now, we also talk about pop culture. After Blake Lively went to the game against the New York Jets with Swift, my dad had to tell me that the two are “apparently best friends.” Lively is one of my sister’s and my favorite actresses, but we’re still not sure my dad knows who she is outside of being Swift’s friend.

In addition, young girls have never been the prime audience for the NFL, and many young girls and women who are interested in the NFL have faced backlash or sexist questions. I have been a fan of the Chiefs for my entire life, and yet, I have always had to prove it. I have been asked to name players, positions, stats, and so much more. If I ever forget or get something wrong, then I have been told that I’m not a real fan and probably just watch because, as a girl, I must think the players are attractive. This past year, I had someone tell me that I probably only cheer for the Chiefs because I like Taylor Swift when in reality, I’m more of a Chiefs fan, than a Swift fan.

Also, being a fan of Taylor Swift shouldn’t be a bad thing. She’s a role model for young women. She has been in the public’s eye since she was 14 and the worst thing that most people can say about her is that she has dated and broken up with a lot of men. Swift often doesn’t get credited for all the good she has done like giving millions to charities every year, writing record breaking songs, and showing women to stand up for themselves.

Whether you’re a fan of Swift or not, the NFL will most likely continue to show her as long as she is still dating Kelce. If you have an issue with seeing a successful woman on screen during a sports broadcast, then maybe you just shouldn’t watch the game at all or at least not for the 25 seconds she’s shown.