Though I have had the pleasure of attending three Super Bowls and still appreciate the generosity of my hosts in each instance, I will admit like many Americans for me the "Big Game" somewhat lost its luster many years ago. At least for me, College Football is much less filled with drama and side controversies and the strong ties to my alma mater and our Georgia football Dawgs of course don't hurt.
I do enjoy the Big Game commercials and again having been to the BIG SHOW a few times, I enjoyed the tailgates, pre-and post-game parties and celebrity fanfare surrounding the game, more than the actual AFC/NFC championship contest that was frequently decidedly lop-sided.
Reportedly, President Donald J. Trump is the first sitting president to attend the Big Game in person. When President Trump appeared on the Jumbotron at the Caesar's SuperDome in New Orleans this year, he received a hero's welcome and applause.
Though I am not a Trump fan, I would hope most any U.S. President would be met with solid applause, both in recognition of their service and as sporting events themselves are not partisan or typically arenas for political dissent, that just as we all stand for the National Anthem and salute our U.S. Flag, fans in the stands can be civil and express gratitude, or simply remain silent.
A year ago, one of the more frequent sightings in suites and stands was perhaps the ultimate Kansas City Chiefs fan, artist and entertainer, Taylor Swift. As a father and grandfather of two daughters and twin nieces, I have been aware of Ms. Swift's growing influence on pop culture for nearly two decades now. Though I can't recite the lyrics to a single Swift song, I also applaud her successes as an artist, as a brand, and even as a promoter for her BF, Travis Kelce and through him the Kansas City Chiefs. Ms. Swift's regular attendance at Chiefs games during 2024, and her frequent cameos on game telecasts helped the NFL grow its fan base among women for the first time in decades.
But Ms. Swift also had the temerity to endorse a candidate other than Donald Trump for president. Such is the right of every American, to support the candidate/political party or candidates of their choice. At the game a year ago, the Chiefs were triumphant, for the second year running, and Kelce and Swift were also the Bennifer (Ben Affleck/Jennifer Lopez) hot coupling of that moment. A year later, the Chiefs were not performing quite at their peak, the relationship might have been hitting some bumps and though loyal girlfriend Swift was back in the stands...the crowd in the stands who had just given Trump hearty applause, instead showered a chorus of long boos on Swift.
For what? A bad referee call? Breaking up with Kelce after he loses the big game and penning a song about it? Disrespecting the visiting President? Taylor Swift did none of those things in reaction, though the crowd shift did clearly startle her a bit.
Booing her was rude, uncalled for and unfortunate. Swift may not be perfect, but she is a self-made and resilient role model for millions of young women across the globe. And while the booing itself might be a footnote...real bullies always have to pile on.
In his own words, post-game via President Donald Trump on Truth Social -
"The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!"
Forgiving what, Ms. Swift supporting Joe Biden or Kamala Harris? I would also remind the President...Kansas is a very red state. Trump narrowly carried Pennsylvania, but hosting the victorious Philadelphia Eagles at the White House is likely to gain him perhaps a great recipe for a Philly Cheese Steak. Trump and MAGA didn’t carry Philadelphia.
I know that this great national divide is now part of family holiday gatherings and even school graduations...but can we try and keep sports out of it, and yes, Ms. Swift raised her voice after having remained silent on this subject for years... But when Trump was waving at the crowds, I'll bet you a grand the worst she might have been doing at the time was quietly sitting on her hands.
So, for that demonstration of class and poise, I'm now a Swiftie. Having certainly spent enough on her merch and albums for my girls over the year, this even helps me feel better about that.
