She’s known for her chart-topping hits, dazzling stage presence, and loyal fanbase. But on Sunday, Taylor Swift added another feather to her cap: the first woman to win the Super Bowl. Well, sort of.
The pop superstar attended Super Bowl 2024 to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling game that ended with a 25-22 victory for the Chiefs. This was Kelce’s third trip to the final and his second Super Bowl ring.
🚨| Taylor Swift is officially the first woman ever to win the Superbowl 🏉 PIC.TWITTER.COM/1PA67BJOEV
— Ron (@midnightstrack2) FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Swift had just completed a four-day leg of her Eras Tour in Tokyo, Japan, before flying to Los Angeles to join Kelce and his teammates. She was accompanied by her friends Blake Lively and Ice Spice, who also performed at the halftime show with Swift. The trio dazzled the audience with a medley of Swift’s hits from different eras of her career, including “Love Story,” “Blank Space,” “Lover,” and “Willow.”
But Swift’s impact was not limited to the halftime show. Her presence at the Super Bowl affected Kelce and the Chiefs, trailing behind the 49ers for most of the game. Swift was cheering, clapping, and dancing in her seat, wearing a red Chiefs jersey with Kelce’s number 87. She also held up a sign that read “Go Travis!” and occasionally blew kisses to her beau on the field.
After the game, Kelce and Swift shared an emotional moment on the field, hugging and kissing amid the confetti and fireworks. Kelce lifted Swift in his arms and spun her around while Swift kissed his cheek.
tons of security guard covered taylor and travis because ariana grande was there.PIC.TWITTER.COM/BEXZ3Z1U0D HTTPS://T.CO/NZ7IW6E7DA
— athena (@athenamount) FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Swift’s Super Bowl journey sparked a fan-driven narrative dubbing her the “first woman to win the Super Bowl.” Fans have noticed a pattern: the Chiefs tend to win when Swift is in attendance. They credit her for inspiring Kelce and the Chiefs and praise her for being a supportive girlfriend and a talented performer.
However, not everyone is on board with this narrative. Some fans and critics have blamed Swift for the Chiefs’ losses in the past, claiming that she is a distraction or a curse for Kelce and the Chiefs. It has been noted that the Kansas City Chiefs lately lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2021 Super Bowl during Swift’s absence due to her Folklore Tour.
Additionally, some sources mention the Chiefs’ defeat to the Denver Broncos in the 2022 AFC Championship Game. Even though Swift was present during the latter, it is said that she had a disagreement with Kelce before the game.
This has led to a debate about the “Taylor Swift effect” on the Chiefs’ performance. Some argue that she is a positive influence, while others claim she is a negative one. Some have even suggested that Swift should avoid the Super Bowl altogether to avoid controversy or backlash.
Swift’s presence and support may have positively influenced Kelce and the Chiefs. However, it is essential to remember that the Super Bowl is won by the team’s performance on the field. The title “first woman to win the Super Bowl” is metaphorical and symbolic, acknowledging Swift’s supportive role and the impact of her presence. But, it is not meant to take away from the achievements of Kelce and the Chiefs. They worked hard and played well to secure the Super Bowl title.
Kelce, for his part, has expressed his gratitude and love for Swift and dismissed the notion of the “Taylor Swift effect.” He told reporters after the game,
“She’s amazing. She’s been there for me through thick and thin, and I can’t thank her enough. She’s my biggest fan, and I’m hers. I don’t care what anyone says; she’s not a distraction or a curse. She’s a blessing.”
Swift, likewise, has gushed about Kelce and the Chiefs and brushed off the criticism and controversy. She posted on her Instagram,
“I’m so proud of Travis and the Chiefs. They played their hearts out and deserved this win. I’m honored to be a part of their journey and to share this moment with them. And to all the haters, you need to calm down. This is not about me; this is about them. They are the champions, and I’m lucky to be their cheerleader.”
