Famous fan influence is a scary thing. Fans worship these false gods and turn the grounds they walk on into Yellow Brick Roads. In many ways, celebrity culture is an addiction. It’s a world full of consumerism and conspiracy theories.
The hypocrisy is not lost here. As this is in fact another article about celebrities. But it’s more about trying to figure out their impact on football. The NFL is a star-packed league, but when celebrities are involved, it becomes bigger than that. It’s a different stratosphere.
Let’s take a look at The Taylor Swift Effect: 10 Famous Fans Who Made An Impression On The NFL.
HANK WILLIAMS JR.
Before comparing an American president to a German dictator, Hank Williams Jr. provided the opening theme song for Monday Night Football. An upbeat anthem designed to get fans out of their Monday blues and into the football spirit.
The NFL has swept Williams Jr. under the rug, but for an entire generation of football fans, his song rings out in their memories. The latest Monday Night Football theme song carries its weight, but it’s hard to forget about the energy Williams Jr. brought to the weekly broadcast.
KIM KARDASHIAN
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In 2010, the New Orleans Saints battled and beat the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl. This was the season of Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush. America’s new reality star was everywhere, and the cameras kept rolling.
After the game, Kardashian and Bush shared a moment on the field, and the media ate it up. Kardashian was the first true reality television personality to cause a stir in the NFL. The decade ahead belonged to Kardashian and her family.
JESSIE JAMES DECKER
Family-based reality television has come a long way since the days of a British rock star screaming at the household’s pets. In 2013, country singer Jessie James Decker took football fans behind the curtain of NFL life away from the field.
Showcasing life with wide receiver Eric Decker, the series had a three-season run. Nowadays, seeing professional athletes and their spouses in a reality series is nothing out of the ordinary, but it was Jessie James Decker who placed the focus on NFL family life.
JANET JACKSON
The Super Bowl appeals to casual viewers just as much as die-hard football fans. The halftime show is supposed to be a spectacle. It’s for those who are watching to be entertained, not for the gambler or the armchair manager.
When Janet Jackson was accused of indecent exposure during the halftime show in 2004, there was outrage and debate. Tape delay and censorship conversations. The reality of children watching the game and being exposed to such a cheap shock tactic.
HUNTER THOMPSON
Hunter Thompson was a famed gonzo journalist who despite varying topics, always found time to provide his unique commentary on the NFL. Thompson called out Dan Synder long before the rest of the football world caught up.
Throughout his career, Thompson took to the Oakland Raiders, and was not afraid to voice his opinions of their owner, Al Davis. These days, sportswriters take a backseat to social media stars, but during his time, Thompson made a memorable impression on the NFL.
GISELE BUNDCHEN
When the New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the New York Giants in 2012, Gisele Bundchen took a stand and called out Tom Brady’s receivers. Brady didn’t place the blame on anyone, but Bundchen had ai different opinion.
While they were together, Bundchen and Brady had the spotlight shone on them often. The media was ruthless at times, unable to separate the game from personal lives. But through the wild love-hate relationship fans and pundits had with Brady, Bundchen stood her ground.
CHRIS STAPLETON
Performing the American national anthem at the Super Bowl is a big gig. The eyes of the world are watching. And when it was Chris Stapleton’s turn, he played a heartfelt rendition of the anthem that shivered the spines of all spectators.
Stapleton and the NFL have proven to be a strong partnership. Now the lead voice of the Monday Night Football theme song, Stapleton’s strong sound will continue to be heard throughout the seasons ahead.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Sunday nights wouldn’t be the same without Carrie Underwood singing everyone into the game of the week. While celebrities on screen during football broadcasts is often viewed as a negative, the inclusion of Underwood in a definite positive.
The Sunday Night Football theme song wakes everyone back up from their day-long beer benders and greasy food bloats. Underwood’s voice signals that Sunday is not over yet. There’s one more fight on one more football field left to go.
JESSICA SIMPSON
When the Dallas Cowboys play, people watch. Lovers and haters alike. So, when Jessica Simpson wore a pink number nine jersey to support Tony Romo during their time together, the media frenzy was in full force.
With Simpson in attendance, the camera didn’t shy away from her. And with football to focus on, the clear impact of a celebrity in the stadium was felt. An America pop star and the quarterback of America’s most watched NFL team. It was a true American romance.
TAYLOR SWIFT
As the biggest pop star in the world today, Taylor Swift can’t do anything without the public eye gawking at her. So, when she began dating Travis Kelce, all eyes were on the couple. Shots of Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs’ games became the new normal.
Swift’s impact on the 2023 season was felt as her fanbase followed the Chiefs to their championship win. Kelce’s jersey sales soared, and the Super Bowl Swift attended drew record numbers. In a league based on business, Swift provided the NFL with a sharp spike in revenue.
