If you think you've seen too much of Taylor Swift on NFL broadcasts, you aren't alone — but don't forget: It's out of her hands. As she alluded to in a recent interview with Time magazine, she's just going to the games; she has no control over how often the camera is pointed her way.
Taylor Swift on causing a frenzy at NFL games: ?I?m just there to support Travis. I have no awareness of if I?m being shown too much and pissing off a few dads, Brads, and Chads? https://t.co/RDrYTlpUT1
— TIME (@TIME) December 6, 2023
Swift has, unsurprisingly, been named Time's Person of the Year. Whether you're a fan or not, it's the right choice. The determination is based on pure level of fame or public presence — and over the last year, nobody has come close to Swift, as she has embarked on a mega tour and released a litany of content.
Whether you're thrilled every time she crosses the screen — or just want to watch some football without the focus flipping to the stands — let's just take a step back and remember: Taylor Swift does not have a hand in deciding how networks present NFL games. She's there to support Travis Kelce, just as so many significant others and loved ones support their favorite players at games. If the broadcasting executives and NFL itself choose to make her presence a huge part of their presentation, that's on them.
Fans swarmed the New Jersey venue where Taylor Swift was spotted attending Jack Antonoff?s wedding. pic.twitter.com/7Ybr3QLdAZ
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 19, 2023
It's no different from Swift getting mobbed by cameras when she goes out to dinner or attends a friend's wedding. Everywhere she goes, the cameras follow; these particular ones just happen to be associated with the NFL. If she was the one making these choices, there's no way, for instance, that the above wedding-related incident would have happened. To suggest that she has any more control over how the NFL markets and broadcasts its games is laughable.
It's worth noting that the Swift sightings, at least on official game broadcasts, have become more sparing as the novelty has worn off. As the Chiefs took on the Packers on Sunday Night Football, she only appeared on the NBC broadcast a couple of times, and it did not really affect the cadence of the game coverage itself.
It's not worth digging into whether Swift should be in the NFL spotlight as much as she is; that is absolutely a matter of personal preference. What is for sure, however, is that she's not the one making it happen; and since she's doing nothing differently than any other NFL girlfriend or wife, she rightfully does not care how broadcast choices by others are construed. So if you have an issue with Taylor being shown during your favorite team's game, don't take it up with her. Maybe send the feedback where it belongs — to the media outlets that can't spend a second looking away from her.
