Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith was asked about Taylor Swift drawing a lot of interest when she goes to support her husband, Travis Kelce, at Kansas City Chiefs games.
Since she started dating Kelce, Swift has been a regular fixture at Chiefs games at Arrowhead Stadium. Given her superstardom, NFL cameras never fail to find the pop star in attendance.
However, there have been some fans who have criticised her presence during NFL broadcasts, feeling that the focus on her takes away from the action on the field.
Emmitt Smith says Taylor Swift is not to blame for NFL cameras featuring her during Kansas City Chiefs game
In a sit-down interview with Variety, NFL legend Emmitt Smith was asked how he feels about Taylor Swift and her constant presence during the broadcasts of Kansas City Chiefs games.
Smith suggested that the ‘Taylor Swift effect’ is more a result of the NFL trying to capitalise on her star power rather than her seeking any attention or focus from the cameras during games.
Variety asked: “How do you feel about the Taylor Swift effect on the NFL? She’s really increased the popularity of the league among women, but I understand some male fans have mixed feelings about her presence at games.”
Smith said: “Why would it be a controversial matter? She’s there to support her husband and she doesn’t care about all this other stuff, but the networks do. The networks are exposing everything because of who she is. She’s not looking for the damn camera! She’s trying to be Taylor Swift, wife to Travis Kelce, and is trying to enjoy life.
“She’s not going, ‘Put me on the camera! I’m here!’ Most stars aren’t even like that. The media needs something to talk about, this is fresh and new, and she’s a big star. Do I like it? No. Can I do anything about it? No. Can she do anything about it? No.
“The only thing she can do is not show up at the games, and who wants to do that? She’s just trying to be herself. That’s what losing your anonymity truly means — people follow you.”
Smith has provided a very level-headed and reasonable take on the matter. For all the bluster surrounding her presence at Chiefs games, it is hard to imagine Swift trying to go to these games to garner more attention.
Swift is a global megastar, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest that she has far more of a worldwide fan following than her husband, Travis Kelce. So to suggest that she goes to these games hoping to be caught on camera is ridiculous.
As many people would, Swift is there to support her partner and encourage them in their endeavours. It would be no different than Kelce going to a Taylor Swift concert to support and encourage his wife.
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