Taylor Swift’s meteoric rise to prominence in the NFL has led to a hilarious skit on “Saturday Night Live,” featuring special guest Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end made a surprise cameo on the show, embodying the one person who remained focused on football amid the “Swiftmania” that has gripped the NFL.
Travis Kelce, who had previously hosted “Saturday Night Live” in March, shared his excitement and experience during a recent episode of the Kelce brothers’ podcast, “New Heights.” He expressed the thrill of returning to the SNL stage, emphasizing the unique energy in the studio, especially considering it was the show’s first episode of the season. “I had such a freaking blast, man,” Kelce shared with his brother Jason Kelce, a fellow NFL player.
The skit, part of SNL’s playful take on the NFL’s newfound obsession with Taylor Swift, involved a humorous depiction of the NFL’s attempt to refocus on football amidst Swift’s pervasive influence. Travis Kelce explained that he was unaware of the skit’s content but found it ironic that SNL decided to lampoon the “Swiftmania.” When asked to participate, he felt deeply honored to be part of the production.
In the skit, a panel of all-male NFL commentators discusses a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets, humorously dismissing Swift’s presence and her connection to Travis Kelce as “just friends.” The panelists’ reactions and discussions about Swift’s love interests provide plenty of laughs, with references to Joe Alwyn and the hit song “Karma.” The skit playfully mocks the pop culture phenomenon surrounding Taylor Swift’s appearances at NFL games.
The skit features Pete Davidson, playing a Taylor Swift-obsessed sideline reporter who is more interested in spotting Swift in the stands than discussing the game itself. The skit culminates in Travis Kelce’s surprise appearance, which prompts cheers and applause from the live audience.
Travis Kelce’s podcast episode also delved into the NFL’s handling of celebrities at games, specifically the attention lavished on Taylor Swift and other stars. While Travis Kelce found it fun to showcase celebrities at NFL games, he acknowledged that the league might be overdoing it. His brother, Jason Kelce, also chimed in, suggesting that the NFL was taking the trend to the extreme.
Donna Kelce, the matriarch of the Kelce family, offered a different perspective, understanding the NFL’s motivation to capitalize on the Swift phenomenon. She emphasized the positive impact it has on the sport’s atmosphere and noted that it serves as a source of entertainment and financial gain for the league.
The NFL’s newfound emphasis on Taylor Swift, which included changing social media imagery and bios to reference her songs, generated mixed reactions. Some criticized the league’s increased focus on the singer, while the NFL defended its approach, emphasizing the cultural relevance and positive response from fans.
In summary, Travis Kelce’s entertaining recounting of his “SNL” surprise cameo and the playful skit highlighting the NFL’s “Swiftmania” sheds light on the intersection of sports and entertainment, showing that even a football powerhouse like Travis Kelce can have a fun and lighthearted moment on a comedy show.
