Nate Burleson, a former NFL wide receiver and current co-host on CBS Mornings, has come out in full support of Taylor Swift following backlash from some fans over her frequent appearances at Kansas City Chiefs games. Swift, who attended multiple games during the 2023 NFL season to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, has once again found herself at the center of attention as she continues to show up at NFL events. Most recently, the pop superstar made an appearance at the first game of the 2024 NFL season.
Despite her enthusiasm and support for the Chiefs, Swift’s presence has caused frustration among a portion of the football fanbase. Some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the frequent coverage of Swift in the stands during broadcasts, with many arguing that the game should be the focus, not celebrity appearances. Swift, however, has shown she isn’t afraid to address this criticism head-on, and she even humorously called out her detractors during her 2023 Time Person of the Year interview. During the interview, Swift joked about the “dads, Brads, and Chads” who seemed to be annoyed by her presence at football games.
As the 2024 NFL season kicked off, it seems that Swift’s appearances have once again sparked controversy, with some fans continuing to voice their displeasure. However, Burleson, 43, didn’t hesitate to come to Swift’s defense, reminding everyone that her presence is simply part of the entertainment factor that comes with live sports, especially in a league like the NFL that thrives on the fusion of sports, celebrity, and spectacle.
Burleson’s Strong Response: “Get Out of Your Feelings”
During a segment on CBS Mornings, Burleson passionately defended the pop icon, particularly after Swift was featured in a new NFL promotional video. In his typical no-nonsense style, Burleson addressed the critics directly, advising them to calm down and not take Swift’s appearances too seriously.
“Get out of your feelings,” Burleson said, speaking directly to those who have expressed frustration over Swift’s presence at games. “Oh, you’re upset? You’re a little mad ‘cause Taylor Swift is in the promo? Who cares?” Burleson continued, adding some humor to his statement. “Wipe the drool off your tank top, put some pants on, and get out of your mama’s basement.”
Burleson’s comments, filled with both humor and a clear message of support for Swift, quickly gained traction online. The former NFL player shared a clip of his remarks on Instagram, where fans and followers chimed in, with many applauding his defense of Swift.
But Burleson’s support for Swift didn’t end there. In an interview with TMZ over the weekend, Burleson doubled down on his stance, once again backing the Folklore singer. When asked about the ongoing controversy surrounding Swift’s NFL appearances, Burleson explained that the fans who are upset are often “typically grumpy guys” who may be overreacting to what is ultimately just a part of the game-day experience.
“It’s just a game,” Burleson emphasized in his interview, reminding everyone that celebrity sightings and camera pans to notable figures in the crowd have long been part of live sports broadcasts. He pointed out that similar camera pans are done in almost every major sport, from basketball to tennis, where celebrities in attendance often get featured during the game.
“But it happens to be Taylor Swift at an NFL game, and everybody wants to get in their feelings,” Burleson said, highlighting the outsized reaction that Swift’s presence seems to generate. He also noted that much of the frustration aimed at Swift “says more about the sensitivities and insecurities of these men than it does about Taylor.”
Mixed Reactions from NFL Fans: Supporters vs. Critics
While Burleson’s defense of Swift has been widely praised by many, the response from NFL fans continues to be mixed. On one hand, some fans have expressed frustration over what they perceive as excessive coverage of Swift during NFL games. Many argue that the focus of the broadcast should remain on the game itself and the athletes on the field, not on celebrity attendees. These critics feel that Swift’s appearances—and the attention they receive—are a distraction from the main event.
One fan, voicing his frustration on social media, stated, “I’m here to watch football, not a Taylor Swift concert.” Another fan shared a similar sentiment, saying, “The NFL needs to stop focusing so much on who’s in the stands and more on the players on the field.”
However, on the flip side, many others have been quick to defend Swift’s appearances, praising her for supporting her boyfriend and attending the games as a fan. For some fans, Swift’s presence at the games has added an extra layer of excitement, especially for younger viewers and families. Her fanbase, known as “Swifties,” has enthusiastically welcomed her involvement with the NFL, with many expressing their joy at seeing their favorite pop star in a different context.
In fact, some fans have even credited Swift’s appearances with bringing families closer together. Several social media users have shared stories about how watching NFL games has become a new bonding experience for them and their children, particularly for fathers and daughters. Swift’s presence has given them a fresh reason to tune in to games together, making the NFL more accessible to a broader audience.
One father shared on Twitter, “My daughter never watched football before, but now she’s watching Chiefs games with me just to see if Taylor Swift is there. It’s something we can enjoy together.”
Swift’s fanbase was also thrilled to see her at the NFL season opener on Thursday, September 5, when the Chiefs faced off against their opponents. The 14-time Grammy Award winner has clearly made an impact, not just on the game but on the viewing experience for many fans as well.
Will Taylor Swift Attend More NFL Games?
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, one question on everyone’s mind is: How many more games will Taylor Swift attend this year? While it remains uncertain just how many times she will make an appearance in the stands, there is a possibility that fans could see more of her in the coming weeks.
Swift is currently on a two-month hiatus from her wildly successful international Eras Tour, giving her some free time to attend additional NFL games if she chooses. Her next concert isn’t scheduled until mid-October, so there’s a chance she could fit a few more games into her schedule before heading back on tour.
For fans of both the NFL and Swift, her appearances at games are likely to be a continued source of excitement. As for her critics, Burleson’s advice remains simple: “Get out of your feelings.” Whether you’re a fan of her music or not, it’s clear that Taylor Swift’s involvement with the NFL is here to stay—at least for now.
Sports and Celebrity Collide
The reaction to Taylor Swift’s NFL appearances highlights an ongoing intersection between sports and entertainment. While some fans are quick to criticize the attention given to celebrities at games, others embrace the fusion of sports and entertainment as part of the broader spectacle. As Nate Burleson pointed out, seeing celebrities in the stands is nothing new, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to the game-day experience.
In the end, Burleson’s message is clear: Enjoy the game, focus on the fun, and stop getting hung up on who’s in the crowd. Whether it’s Taylor Swift or another celebrity, their presence at the game is just one small piece of the overall entertainment package that the NFL offers. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Swift’s involvement continues to unfold and whether she’ll make more appearances to cheer on Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs. For now, Swifties and NFL fans alike can enjoy the show both on and off the field.
