Back in 2007, singer and now-fashion icon Jessica Simpson made headlines when she attended a Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles football game sporting a pink Cowboys jersey in support of her then-boyfriend, Tony Romo, the team’s star quarterback.
However, when the Cowboys lost that game following what’s considered one of Romo’s worst performances, Simpson faced undue blame from superstitious fans, highlighting the misogynistic backlash often directed at women in sports.
Reflecting on the unjust criticism Simpson endured during her time with Romo, Kansas City Chiefs enthusiast Todd Chance was inspired to extend a warm welcome to Taylor Swift’s devoted fanbase, known as Swifties, when the pop sensation began dating Chiefs’ standout tight end, Travis Kelce.
“I anticipated there might be some toxic elements within the NFL fan culture that Swifties would encounter,” explained Chance, 48, in an interview with CNN. “I wanted to reassure them that many fans in Chiefs Kingdom were embracing of their presence.”
To Chance’s delight, his gesture of inclusivity was reciprocated with open arms by Swift’s fans. Through his TikTok platform, Chance shared his insights into Chiefs history with the online Swiftie community, receiving valuable recommendations on Swift’s extensive discography in return.
In a world often marked by division, fans like Chance represent a refreshing breed—embracing not only a crash course in Swift Music 101 but also diving headfirst into a realm of music culture that’s simultaneously empowering, daunting, and rooted in unwavering trust in the power of Swift.
They are the “Chiefties.”
Swift’s first appearance at a Chiefs game in September preceded the official confirmation of her relationship with Kelce. While opinions on her presence at subsequent Chiefs games varied, one thing was certain: it brought Swifties into the exhilarating world of football and introduced football enthusiasts to Swift’s enchanting musical universe.
As Swift once crooned, call it what you want. But who exactly are the Chiefties?
When the Kansas City Chiefs were established in the 1960s, Chance’s father, Harold, was an ardent supporter of the team. Part of a fan group dubbed the “Wolfpack,” named after the team’s mascot, Harold witnessed the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in 1970 and passed down his passion for the team to his son.
Chance, now residing in rural Kansas, inherited his father’s fervor for the Chiefs but unfortunately never got to share a Super Bowl triumph with him before Harold’s passing. With the Chiefs gearing up for Sunday’s Super Bowl as defending champions, Chance fondly remembers his father’s influence.
“I think about him and how he shaped my love for the Chiefs, patiently explaining the intricacies of the game to me,” Chance reflected.
Chance’s outreach on social media, welcoming Swifties into Chiefs Kingdom after Swift’s initial game attendance, was met with overwhelming support. While he had only been a casual listener of Swift’s radio hits, interactions with Swifties online piqued his curiosity about Swift’s music.
“The turning point for me was when the incredibly welcoming and kind Swifties pointed me toward ‘Folklore,'” Chance recalled, referring to Swift’s acclaimed 2020 album. Immersing himself in Swift’s storytelling through music, Chance found himself captivated.
“I finally understood,” he remarked.
Kansas City resident and lifelong Chiefs supporter Megan Jennings shares a similar journey. Introduced to Swift after the singer’s initial Chiefs game appearance, Jennings quickly became enamored with Swift’s music.
Listening to “…Ready For It,” a track from Swift’s 2017 album “Reputation,” proved to be a transformative moment for Jennings, igniting her newfound admiration for the artist.
Subsequently, Jennings delved deeper into Swift’s discography, finding solace in Swift’s music amidst the chaos of everyday life.
“Listening to her music and dancing around with my kids is incredibly fun and allows me to cherish the moment,” Jennings expressed.
Jennings is even attending a Swift-themed Super Bowl party on Sunday, where she plans to organize friendship bracelet-making activities—for the kids, she jokes.
While dance parties and crafting sessions are enjoyable, Jennings and Chance emphasize that their appreciation for Swift extends beyond mere entertainment.
“I feel a personal connection to Swift as a strong, independent woman who stands up for her beliefs,” Jennings remarked. “She’s an incredible role model.”
Despite leading a genre that typically doesn’t dominate his playlists, Chance was surprised by the emotional resonance he found in Swift’s lyrics.
“She has a unique ability to make a song feel deeply personal, even if it doesn’t directly relate to your own experiences,” Chance noted.
Indeed, the journey from Chiefs Kingdom to Swiftie-ville is a two-way street.
Danielle Griffith, an avid Swift fan and football enthusiast, finds herself fielding questions about football rules from her followers on TikTok.
“A lot of Swifties want to be involved in anything Taylor is interested in,” Griffith observed. “Taylor Swift commands such loyalty and respect that her fans will follow her anywhere.”
This sentiment is reflected in the numbers. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Facebook page gained 400,000 followers following Swift’s attendance at their games, according to data provided by a Meta representative. Moreover, female viewership of the NFL’s 2023 regular season increased by 9% from the previous year—an uptick that coincides with Swift’s attendance at Chiefs games, where she attracts a predominantly female demographic.
For Donna Kelce, mother of Travis and Philadelphia Eagles center Jason, the impact of Swift’s presence at NFL games extends beyond the stands.
“I’ve received letters, texts, and comments from fathers expressing gratitude that their daughters are now taking an interest in football,” Donna Kelce shared.
Chance appreciates the sense of community fostered by both sports and music. Finding camaraderie among fellow Chiefties is the icing on the cake.
“I’m just an ordinary person navigating life,” Chance remarked. “Finding a few things to celebrate along the way.”
