Saquon Barkley, star running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently defended Taylor Swift after she was booed by fans during Super Bowl LIX. Barkley’s comments highlighted his confusion over the backlash, especially considering Swift’s support for her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and her positive influence on the NFL’s growing popularity.
This article explores Barkley’s statements on the incident, Swift’s presence at NFL games, and the broader implications of celebrity involvement in sports.
What did Saquon Barkley say about Taylor Swift?
Philadelphia Eagles running back, Saquon Barkley, expressed confusion over the negative reaction Taylor Swift received during Super Bowl LIX.
Speaking on The Howard Stern Show, Barkley stated, “I don’t get it. I don’t get why she was getting hate there.” He emphasized that Swift was simply there to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Barkley’s comments came after footage of Swift at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans showed her receiving boos from the crowd when she appeared on the jumbotron.
Barkley highlighted Swift’s significant influence on expanding the NFL’s reach, noting her presence at games has drawn a broader audience to the sport. “She’s made the game bigger,” Barkley said, referencing the NFL’s ongoing efforts to internationalize football with upcoming games in Brazil, Mexico, and Australia (via Today). He emphasized that Swift’s involvement has contributed to this growth, making the backlash she faced even more perplexing to him.
Swift’s support for Kelce throughout the NFL season has garnered substantial media attention, with her appearances at Chiefs games becoming a regular occurrence. Barkley acknowledged this, suggesting that the boos may have stemmed from Eagles fans due to Swift’s association with a rival team.
Barkley’s defense of Swift comes amid broader discussions about the intersection of sports and celebrity culture. He praised Swift’s positive influence, reinforcing that her presence benefits the NFL’s global ambitions. As the Eagles celebrated their Super Bowl victory, Barkley’s comments underscored the unnecessary criticism Swift faced while highlighting her role in enhancing the sport’s popularity.
