Erin Andrews has highlighted Taylor Swift’s role in increasing female viewership of the NFL, calling Swift a major factor in making women feel less “afraid” to watch professional sports. With ratings soaring, Andrews credits Swift for bringing casual fans into the fold. What’s behind this newfound interest, and how is Swift’s influence reshaping the NFL? Get the full story now! 👇👇

Erin Andrews Praises Taylor Swift for Boosting Women’s Interest in the NFL

Erin Andrews has once again expressed her admiration for Taylor Swift, this time highlighting the pop icon’s significant impact on the NFL, particularly in terms of increasing female viewership. Since Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce became public in October 2023, the NFL has seen a surge in attendance and television ratings, especially among female fans eager to follow Swift’s presence at games.

Swift’s Influence on NFL Viewership

Swift’s involvement with Kelce has sparked a wave of interest from her massive fanbase, many of whom have turned their attention to the NFL not only to catch a glimpse of Swift cheering for her boyfriend but also to keep up with Kelce’s on-field performances. This has undoubtedly influenced the demographic shift in NFL viewership, with more women tuning in to watch games.

Erin Andrews, speaking on the Calm Down podcast with co-host Charissa Thompson, praised Swift for making women feel less intimidated by the sport. “Our ratings are up for women, which is huge for us,” Andrews said, referring to the growing number of female viewers in recent years. She added, “What’s really cool is women aren’t as afraid [to watch].”

Andrews, who hosts America’s Game of the Week on Sundays, noted that the show’s ratings are now split evenly between male and female viewers. This marks a significant shift in the sport’s traditional viewership demographics, with women making up a larger portion of the NFL’s audience. “It’s like the highest-rated show for women out there, which is amazing for us,” Andrews said, attributing some of the change to Swift’s influence.

A New Era of NFL Fandom

Andrews also acknowledged that the NFL’s increased popularity among casual fans, particularly women, could be directly attributed to Swift’s influence. “I think the casual fan doesn’t feel as afraid to watch professional sports right now, watch the NFL because, well, our girl Taylor helped out with that,” Andrews continued. She expressed excitement for the future of the league, emphasizing that the NFL is welcoming new fans with open arms. “We want casual fans, we want fans that know a lot,” she said. “Listen to the podcast, watch our broadcasts, we’ll help teach you the game.”

Praise from Michael Strahan and Troy Aikman

Swift’s impact on the NFL has not gone unnoticed by other sports figures. FOX NFL Sunday star Michael Strahan recently called her “one of the best things to happen to the NFL,” pointing out how her presence in the sports world has bridged the gap between sports and pop culture. Former NFL star Troy Aikman echoed Strahan’s sentiment, adding, “I loved it, quite honestly.”

The NFL’s global brand and consumer marketing team has also taken note of the increased female engagement, with senior vice president Marissa Solis revealing that a staggering 47% of the NFL’s audience is now women. A large part of this surge in female viewership is attributed to Swift’s presence in the NFL scene.

Swift’s Empowering Message to Women

In addition to her influence on NFL viewership, Andrews recently praised Swift for her courage and resilience in reclaiming her music rights after a long and challenging battle. “Shoutout to our girl, Taylor Swift, for getting her music back,” Andrews said, applauding Swift for sending a powerful message to women everywhere. “The message that that sent out to women like, ‘Don’t give up. Go after what’s yours.’”

This latest chapter in Swift’s journey has resonated with Andrews, as she reflects on the impact Swift has had not only in music and sports but also as a role model for women.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for the NFL

Taylor Swift’s influence on the NFL is undeniable. From increasing female viewership to changing the way fans engage with the sport, Swift has introduced a new era of fandom to the league. As the NFL continues to benefit from her star power, both Erin Andrews and fellow broadcasters are excited about the future of the league and the new generation of fans that Swift has helped to bring into the fold.

With Swift’s continued success, her impact on sports—especially in breaking down barriers for women—will likely continue to grow, leaving a lasting legacy both in the entertainment and athletic worlds.