Meeting Taylor Swift isn’t just a highlight, for most folks, it’s a core memory.
That’s a reality Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson just got to experience. His last few months have been a whirlwind: getting engaged to former college hoops standout and current social media personality Haley Cavinder, putting in work at Travis Kelce’s now-famous Tight End University, and sealing the deal on a hefty four-year, $52 million contract extension.
But amidst all that, one encounter stands out. At Tight End University, Ferguson found himself face-to-face with Taylor Swift, who was there with Travis Kelce. And according to Ferguson, that handshake left a pretty lasting impression – he joked that he still hasn’t washed his hand since.
“She’s so normal, so nice! Not that I expected anything less,” Ferguson told the media. “But she knew football. She was talking, like, ‘We [the Chiefs] got a big game at Cowboys this year!’” Just picture that for a second: One of the biggest pop stars on the planet, breaking down the schedule like a lifelong fan, casually name-dropping a Chiefs-Cowboys matchup. For Ferguson, it was equal parts surreal and genuinely cool.
Of course, Taylor Swift’s influence on the NFL has been impossible to ignore these last two seasons. Her appearances at Chiefs games in 2024 didn’t just give the league a shot of star power; they also vaulted brand value and viewership. Swift isn’t just a celebrity fan – she’s become part of the league’s weekly storyline.
The numbers tell the story. With Swift in the stands, the Chiefs racked up a 19-3 record heading into Super Bowl 59 against the Eagles, including a string of 14 straight wins. And get this – before that Super Bowl, the Chiefs never lost a playoff game with her in attendance. Her presence in the suite became a good luck charm for Kansas City last season, as the team went a perfect 9-0 whenever she showed up.
Ultimately, we all saw how that Super Bowl turned out, the win streak couldn’t last forever. But the fact remains: Taylor Swift’s vibe around the league has been “enchanted,” to put it in her own words. From postgame celebrations to becoming part of Chiefs lore, and even making a lasting impression on players from rival teams like Jake Ferguson, her NFL journey just keeps hitting new notes. And for Ferguson – well, he’s got the handshake to prove it.
