Dunn’s Decrees

Yes, I know, everyone is tired of hearing about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. When their relationship first hit the spotlight, some NFL fans on social media were irate at how the focus shifted away from the games to a pop star.

The Kansas City Chiefs–led by Kelce and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes–are already one of the most polarizing franchises in the league.

Their dynasty and Super Bowl trophies already infuriate numerous fan bases (including my Raiders). Adding more attention to their national telecasts from another angle will ruffle any number of feathers. Which, to a degree, makes sense.

However, this assertion that this is somehow Taylor Swift’s fault is misguided. I’ll be the first to say that I’m indifferent to her music. I’m not someone who has attended her tours or has any merch, and I am just a casual listener to Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast.

Rather than the celebrities, your exasperation should be channeled towards the NFL. They are simply cashing in on an opportunity to expand its consumer base, like it or not. This isn’t some big revelation. We all know that a business's goal is to have as many eyes on its product as possible.

When you combine a team with an established brand, like the Chiefs, and a cultural phenomenon like Taylor Swift, you can expect some fans who are already miffed about the football season to passionately express that they only want to see good football. I certainly would be no exception. But at this point, I have relinquished my annoyances. This is an inevitable marketing directive to get more casual viewers onto the product.

Ultimately, this is good for the game. Sports has been, is and will continue to be for everyone. Yes, I want people to find new joy in experiencing what I and many others do for months on end. It’s just going to be a little bit of an inconvenience for the time being.

I’m just salty that Taylor got to see a Super Bowl win in her first season of fandom. I’ve waited 22 years and am still waiting.