As the Super Bowl approaches, there is a particular storyline that has captured attention, and it’s not about the teams or the players. It’s about Taylor Swift and her presence at the games. While some people, particularly conservatives, express their disdain for her attendance, there are others who are tuning in to the game solely to catch a glimpse of the pop sensation. This article aims to provide a fun guide for Swifties, or fans of Taylor Swift, to enjoy the Super Bowl while celebrating the person they are cheering for this year.
Firstly, it’s important to note that it’s perfectly acceptable to watch the Super Bowl and develop an interest in football, even if it was sparked by Taylor Swift’s presence. Football is an exciting sport with a rich history and plenty of thrilling players and teams. You can have your own “Eras Tour” experience by researching the teams in the league and learning about their achievements. Just like picking your favorite album, you can also pick your favorite team based on their accomplishments, but instead of names determined by birth year or color, they are usually named after decades. It’s like finding your own James, Betty, and Augustine.
In Taylor Swift’s album “folklore,” she introduces characters in a love triangle through her songs. James, Betty, and Augustine are the key players in this narrative. James is a teenager who cheated on his girlfriend, Betty, and is trying to win her back. In this analogy, the Kansas City Chiefs represent James, as they won the Super Bowl last year and are striving to prove that they deserve to win it again. Betty, in this context, is the Lombardi Trophy, symbolizing the ultimate goal that the Chiefs aim to reclaim. Just like in the song “cardigan,” Betty knows that the Chiefs will always come back for her, regardless of the challenges they face.
Augustine, the other woman in James’ life, is represented by the San Francisco 49ers. Swift describes Augustine as a girl who doesn’t want James to know she cares, but she does. Similarly, the 49ers have experienced a loss to the same team four years ago, and they don’t want their opponents to know how much they care about winning. Sunday’s game will determine the outcome of this love triangle, shaping the narrative of their respective eras.
Speaking of eras, Taylor Swift has had 10 eras, soon to be 11 with her new album announcement. Each era has its own unique characteristics and represents a specific phase in her career. Similarly, the two NFL teams playing in the Super Bowl have their own “eras.” The San Francisco 49ers are currently in their “Reputation” era, as they seek redemption after their last trip to the Super Bowl. Many people have doubted their abilities, but they have proven them wrong and winning the Super Bowl would be the final nail in the coffin. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs’ era is harder to pin down. They could be in their “1989” era, characterized by success and joy, or maybe their “Speak Now” era, filled with magic and the chance to go back-to-back. However, the best comparison might be their “Midnights” era – different, successful, and unexpected.
To better understand the key players in the game, here are some Taylor Swift songs that can help paint a picture of who they are and why they are important. Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, can be associated with “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version)” as he is Taylor’s boyfriend. George Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers’ tight end, can be likened to “I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version)” as he is known for causing trouble on the field. Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, can be connected to “Anti-Hero” as he is one of the reasons for the team’s success. Brock Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback, can be compared to “You Need To Calm Down” as part of being an elite quarterback is remaining calm under pressure. Isiah Pacheco, the Kansas City Chiefs’ running back, and Christian McCaffery, the San Francisco 49ers’ running back, can be associated with “Getaway Car” as running backs are usually the fastest players on the team. Deebo Samuel, the San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver, can be likened to “Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)” as he excels at shaking off tackles.
With the Super Bowl just around the corner, this guide aims to help Swifties and football enthusiasts alike understand the game and appreciate the stakes involved. Just like Taylor Swift, you have officially entered your “watching football era” and are embarking on this journey together. So, grab some snacks, pour a glass of white wine, wear your Eras Tour shirt, and fearlessly enjoy the game (Taylor’s Version).
