Super Bowl LIX was supposed to be all about football, fierce rivalries, and an electrifying halftime show, but Taylor Swift unexpectedly became one of the night’s biggest headlines.

Attending the game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, Swift was seated with rapper Ice Spice when she appeared on the jumbotron during the first quarter. Instead of cheers, she was met with boos from the crowd, a reaction that quickly went viral.

While the moment lacked audio, lip reader NJ Hickling analyzed the footage and revealed Swift’s stunned response. Speaking to The Mirror US, Hickling stated that Swift appeared to ask, “What’s going on?”—a reaction that perfectly captured the confusion many fans felt about the unexpected hostility.

🎥 | Taylor Swift on the jumbotron at the #SuperBowl.pic.twitter.com/LCTCpug9yO

— The Swift Society (@TheSwiftSociety) February 10, 2025

Why Did Eagles Fans Boo Taylor Swift?

It’s no secret that NFL fans are passionate, but what led to this frosty reception for Swift?

One theory points to her Philadelphia roots. Born in Pennsylvania, Swift has long associated herself with the Eagles—or at least, she once did. During her Eras Tour stop in Philadelphia in 2023, she referenced her song “Gold Rush”, which contains the lyric “I see me padding across your wooden floors with my Eagles t-shirt hanging from the door.”

At the time, fans debated whether she meant the football team or the band. Swift later clarified:

“I saw some people wondering if it was the band Eagles or the team the Eagles. And I love the band the Eagles… But guys, like come on. I’m from Philly. Of course, it’s the team.”

However, since dating Travis Kelce, Swift has been fully immersed in Chiefs Kingdom, a move that has rubbed some Eagles fans the wrong way. To them, she’s gone from hometown hero to rival supporter, and that shift might explain the boos.

Swift’s Supporters Fire Back at the Boos

Despite the negative reaction at the stadium, Swift’s fans and celebrity friends rushed to her defense.

Tennis legend Serena Williams was one of the first to publicly support her, posting on X (formerly Twitter):

“I love you @taylorswift13 don’t listen to those booo!!”

Online, fans called out the hostility, slamming those who booed:

• “The booing is so lame, like she’s literally just supporting her boyfriend.”
• “People booing as if it’s not her home team and her boyfriend’s team—grow up.”
• “Y’all booing shows how fragile your masculinity is. She will always be richer, more famous, and more talented than you’ll ever be.”

The NFL and the Taylor Swift Effect

Love it or hate it, Taylor Swift has become one of the biggest storylines of the NFL season.

Her relationship with Travis Kelce has drawn massive attention, bringing a new wave of viewers to football—many of whom are tuning in just to see her.

The NFL has capitalized on the Swift effect, frequently cutting to her reactions during games, which has divided fans. Some love seeing her support her boyfriend’s team, while others feel the coverage is too much for a sports broadcast.

The controversy grew so large that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked whether the Swift-Kelce romance was a publicity stunt to boost ratings. His response?

“I don’t think I’m that good (of) a scripter or anybody on our staff… There’s no way that I could have scripted that one.”

Super Bowl LIX’s Other Viral Moments

Beyond the Taylor Swift drama, Super Bowl LIX delivered plenty of unforgettable moments, both on and off the field.

• Jon Hamm vs. Bradley Cooper: Both actors hyped up their respective teams before kickoff, but Hamm’s voice cracked during his speech, instantly becoming a meme. Meanwhile, Cooper delivered a flawless introduction for the Eagles.
• Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show Stole the Spotlight: The hip-hop legend shocked fans when he brought out Serena Williams to dance to “Not Like Us,” a diss track aimed at Drake, whom Williams once dated.
• Chiefs Seek a Three-Peat: Kansas City is on a mission to win three consecutive Super Bowls, something no team has ever done. However, their performance against the Eagles suggests it may not be their year.

Swift’s Influence on Football Isn’t Going Anywhere

Despite the boos and controversy, Taylor Swift isn’t going anywhere. Whether fans like it or not, she has become a major presence in the NFL, bringing in record-breaking viewership numbers and sparking discussions far beyond the game itself.

Her support for Travis Kelce and the Chiefs has made her an easy target for rival fans, but her dedicated fanbase ensures she will always have more supporters than critics.

Taylor Swift got showed on the big screen and got booed aggressively.

She asks: "What's going on?"pic.twitter.com/1CSLjNanmK

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 9, 2025

Final Thoughts: The Booing Won’t Break Taylor Swift

The Super Bowl LIX booing incident may have been an unexpected moment, but it’s far from a career-defining event for Taylor Swift.

She has faced criticism, scrutiny, and backlash before, and she always comes out stronger. No matter what happens, her impact on pop culture—and now, even football—remains undeniable.

And as for the fans who booed? Well, they only made her an even bigger headline of the night.