Roger Goodell On The “Taylor Swift Effect” On NFL & Allegations Of Scripting Singer’s Game Appearances

Ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held a press conference where he was inevitably asked about Taylor Swift‘s impact on the league.

Swift has been attending Kansas City Chiefs games throughout the football season in support of her romantic partner, Travis Kelce. Goodell took on a reporter’s question about whether the romance between Swift and Kelce was scripted.

“I don’t think I’m that good [of] a scripter or anybody on our staff,” Goodell said. “There’s no way that I could have scripted that one. She’s a remarkable performer. She knows great entertainment. I had the opportunity to go to two of her concerts with our girls and my wife, she’s the best of the best. So, having her come to NFL games, [to] have her [be a] part of that is nothing but a positive light.”

Goodell also praised Swift for her effect in getting new viewers interested in the NFL.

“Having the Taylor Swift effect is also a positive,” he said. “Both Travis and Taylor are wonderful young people, they seem very happy. She knows great entertainment and I think that’s why she loves NFL football. I think it’s great to have her a part of it. Obviously, it creates a buzz, another group of young fans. Particularly young women.”

Another question Goodell says the attention the NFL is getting after Swift’s appearances gives “people a different perspective of the game,” adding, “It’s giving them opportunity to say, ‘Wow, that’s exciting.’ And I see it. I see it with others. I see it with their friends. I see it with others around we hear the stories, we see the data. People are talking about the game that weren’t talking about the game yesterday. And whatever that reason is I’m I’m good with it as long as they get exposure to our game.”

“Taylor is obviously a dynamo,” he continued. “Everything she touches… there are people following and so, we count ourselves fortunate and we welcome it.”