'Myopic and rigid sports fans': Colin Cowherd blasts NFL fans for backlash over Taylor Swift cheering for Travis Kelce
Taylor Swift's appearances at Kansas City Chiefs games to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce have been a cultural phenomenon since 2023. While many fans see it as a fun crossover between pop culture and sports, critics claim it distracts from the actual football action.
On his FS1 show The Herd, sports commentator Colin Cowherd had little patience for the backlash. He called out what he saw as a double standard, pointing out that celebrity-athlete relationships are hardly new.
Colin Cowherd thinks backlash over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is hypocritical
Colin Cowherd pushed back at critics of Taylor Swift cheering Travis Kelce, invoking David Beckham parallels as Swifties dissected the couple's affectionate New Heights appearance and the NFL's culture-versus-sport debate.
Colin Cowherd REACTS to Taylor Swift on Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast | THE HERD NFL
'I will say I've been a little shocked at how myopic and rigid sports fans have been with this. David Beckham married a Spice Girl (Victoria Beckham). Derek Jeter had celebrity girlfriends. Russell Wilson's married to a singer (Ciara)... Let's be serious here. Celebrities get celebrities. Justin Verlander, didn't he marry Kate Upton, the supermodel?' Cowherd said.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's body language on
New Heights podcast
The conversation comes after Kelce and Swift appeared together on his New Heights podcast with brother Jason Kelce, giving fans a rare glimpse into their relationship.
The episode quickly racked up over 13 million views on YouTube.
Social media influencer Olivia Levin, who manages the swiftiesforeternity Instagram account, shared her take after going to great lengths to listen live. Stranded in Philadelphia after a flight change, she ended up renting a car with two fellow Swifties just to catch the episode.
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce on 'New Heights': Super SWIFTIE Decodes Major REVELATIONS
According to Levin, the chemistry between the couple was undeniable. 'They were touching the whole time, the hands intertwined, arms intertwined.
When she was having an emotional moment talking about getting her masters back, he kissed her on the forehead. They seemed so supportive of one another,' she said.
Also Read:
FOX NFL invites Taylor Swift to Tom Brady-led booth as Travis Kelce's beau impresses everyone with her football knowledge
Whether you see it as a PR boost for the NFL or a genuine love story, the Kelce–Swift pairing has brought new audiences to football while dominating headlines. As Cowherd reminded viewers, star athletes and global entertainers crossing paths isn't just normal—it's practically tradition.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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