The romance between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce was like an earthquake that shook the NFL from head to toe. The arrival of the mega pop star and his massive fanbase to the league has posed new challenges not only to fans and teams but to analysts and commentators. If you don’t believe it, ask Joe Bucks and Troy Aikman.
It’s no secret that the “Swifties,” as Taylor Swift’s followers are known, are very jealous and overprotective of their idol. Stories like that of Business Insider writer Chris Panella are relatively common and reach chilling levels.
The NFL has its share of jealous and overprotective fans. That’s why many analysts and commentators feel like they’re walking through a minefield every time they call a game that the singer is in attendance at.
Enter Buck and Aikman. The seasoned duo of analysts were tasked with calling Monday Night Football’s game between Travis Kelce’s Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints. As soon as word got out that Swift would be in the stands cheering on her boyfriend, Buck’s daughters gave him an ominous warning.
What did Joe Buck’s daughters say?
Troy Aikman successfully transitioned from being the Dallas Cowboys’ star quarterback to being a respected analyst. However, he had never experienced what Swift and her fans brought to the league. At one point during the Kansas City-New Orleans broadcast, Aikmancalled Swift “the missus.”
Buck was quick to correct Aikman, reminding him that the couple was not married. The commentator with 30 years of experience explained, “My daughters have warned me multiple times today, ‘Dad, we know you think you’re funny. Don’t make any jokes.'”
Aikman joked that he was “in trouble” for the comment, and Buck himself laughed heartily. However, the simple fact that the veteran commentator jumped to save his broadcast partner reveals how seriously he took his daughters’ warnings.
Swift’s return to the Chiefs box
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“Tay Tay” had been mysteriously absent from the Chiefs’ first few games this season. Rumors even pointed to a breakup of the couple. However, Swift’s appearance at the game against the Saints put an end to speculation, renewing a cycle of criticism against her and the NFL for allegedly giving her more importance than the game.
Pleasing all fans all the time is an impossible task. What some like makes others angry. For now, the only certain thing is that the league will continue to embrace Swift’s presence and the new fans she brings to stadiums and broadcasts.
